Te Rapa Road speed limit change

Option 2: Retain the current 80km/h speed limit, do not change speed limit

I support retaining the current 80 km/h speed limit. This section of Te Rapa Road functions as a key connector between the SH1C expressway interchange and Hamilton’s northern industrial areas, and the current speed limit reflects the road’s design and purpose.
Traffic data showing vehicles travelling around 60 km/h may be influenced by the nearby expressway interchange and the two roundabouts in close proximity. Vehicles exiting the expressway naturally slow down in this area, particularly heavy vehicles and freight trucks travelling into Hamilton. As a result, lower recorded speeds may reflect normal driving behaviour due to road layout rather than a need to permanently reduce the speed limit.
This route is also used heavily by trucks and freight vehicles accessing Hamilton’s industrial areas. These vehicles often travel slower between roundabouts for operational and safety reasons, which should be considered when interpreting speed statistics.
There are also existing residential areas nearby where the adjacent road remains at 80 km/h, demonstrating that housing can exist alongside higher-speed arterial roads when appropriate infrastructure such as crossings and signage is provided. For these reasons, the current 80 km/h speed limit remains appropriate.

If additional safety improvements are required due to the new development, these should focus on targeted infrastructure rather than lowering the speed limit across the entire stretch of road.
Measures such as a well-designed signalised pedestrian crossing, improved lighting, clear signage, and safe pedestrian access points would better address safety concerns. These types of improvements can protect pedestrians and cyclists while allowing the road to continue functioning efficiently as an important transport route.

Drive

It's a local road close to my house

No, these are my own personal views