Reversals of Labour’s speed limit reductions have begun, with the first changes taking effect tonight, announced Minister of Transport Chris Bishop. The changes, part of the National-led coalition government’s campaign promise, aim to roll back what Bishop described as “illogical and untargeted” speed limit reductions implemented under the previous Labour government.
From tonight until 1 July, Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) will begin reversing speed limits on 38 sections of the state highway network, starting with SH2 between Featherston and Masterton. This stretch, reduced in early 2023, faced widespread community backlash. “This change, which Kieran McAnulty failed to address under the previous government, will take effect overnight,” Bishop said.
The changes are being implemented under the new Land Transport Rule: Setting of Speed Limits 2024, which requires speed limits lowered since January 2020 to be reversed where deemed safe. NZTA and local councils have until 1 July 2025 to restore these roads to their previous speed limits.
Canterbury roads among those affected
Several roads in Canterbury will see speed limits restored to previous levels, including:
•SH1 Rakaia township – increasing from 50km/h to 70km/h in the urban area.
•SH73/75 Curletts Road – increasing from 60km/h to 70km/h and 100km/h (change point southeast of Lunns Road).
•SH75 Halswell to Tai Tapu – increasing from 80km/h to 100km/h (south of Candys Road to northeast of Lincoln Tai Tapu Road).
•SH75 Tai Tapu to Little River – increasing from 80km/h to 100km/h (south of Michaels Road to southwest of Morrisons Road).
Bishop criticised Labour’s former Associate Transport Minister, Kieran McAnulty, for failing to act decisively on community concerns about speed reductions. “Today is an example of our government’s determination to stop letting agencies put things in the too-hard basket and push forward for results,” Bishop said.
The Government has also released a list of 49 additional state highway sections for public consultation. Communities will have six weeks to provide feedback on whether to maintain the current lower speed limits or revert to the previous higher ones.
The new rule introduces reduced, variable speed limits outside schools during pick-up and drop-off times. By 1 July 2026, local streets near schools will require 30km/h variable limits, while rural school roads will need limits of 60km/h or less.
Bishop said prioritising safety around schools is a key focus, adding that the government will draw on international road safety standards. “Countries with strong road safety records, such as Norway and Denmark, maintain 50km/h urban speed limits while targeting alcohol, drugs, and speeding. We will focus on improving road safety outcomes with clear targets,” Bishop said.
Labour’s transport spokesperson Tangi Utikere warned of potential risks associated with the speed limit reversals, arguing the changes were based on political promises rather than evidence.
“Where it is safe to do so, we do not oppose raising speed limits. However, many of these changes are being made without proper evidence,” Utikere said. He added that the previous Transport Minister had encouraged National supporters to submit on his bill, dismissing safety campaigners’ opposing views.
Utikere also expressed concern about the potential for increased road fatalities, particularly during long weekends. “It should not be normal for Kiwis to lose loved ones due to people driving too fast. While we support safer speeds on appropriate roads, I am concerned these changes may result in more deaths on our roads,” he said.
To ensure efficiency, NZTA will incorporate speed reversals alongside planned maintenance and project works. Councils have until 1 May 2025 to advise NZTA of local roads requiring reversals under the rule.
“Where Labour was about slowing New Zealand down, the coalition government is about getting people and freight from A to B as quickly and efficiently as possible,” Bishop said.
