Safer Speeds programme earns Trafinz award

Hamilton City Council’s Safer Speeds Demonstration Project has claimed a Traffic Institute of New Zealand (Trafinz) Leadership Award.

The Safer Speeds Demonstration Project has seen implementation of a 40 km/h speed limit at eight sites across Hamilton, with a particular focus on schools. The programme aimed to generate community understanding of the need for lower speed limits to improve the safety of pedestrians and other road users.  It required some physical work, and engagement with community groups, transport sector organisations and traffic safety agencies. Council also gained funding assistance for the project from the New Zealand Road Safety Trust.

Chris Allen, Council’s General Manager City Infrastructure, says the Trafinz Leadership Award recognises the commitment of the Elected Members and City Transportation staff to the project, and the effectiveness of the campaign to publicise the programme.

“The Safer Speeds demonstration programme has been a tremendous success for Council and the community. We have been encouraged by public ‘buy-in’ to this initiative and the Trafinz Leadership Award is a testament to the leadership role the city is taking on this issue,” says Mr Allen.

Mr Allen says a subsequent survey of residents in Safer Speeds Demonstration Project areas found they considered themselves safer on the road, did not consider lower speed limits an inconvenience, and were more inclined to use alternative transport methods such as bicycles or walking.

Results of the Hamilton project will contribute the national demonstration project for Safe Speeds and provide monitoring and evaluation to the research papers being commissioned by the New Zealand Transport Agency.

Council is now consulting with the community on proposals for a further 18 Safer Speeds areas across the city, as part of its 10-Year Plan projects. To provide feedback on Council’s proposals, visit www.hamilton.co.nz/transport