Local knowledge needed for road 'hot spots'
13 August 2018
Waipa District Council has today launched a campaign aimed at improving the safety of roads in the Waipā district.
Safer roads, safer Waipā aims to have the community identify areas of concern on local roads to help decide what, if any changes need to be made. Risks may include speed, narrow areas, blind corners or lack of areas for pedestrians to cross.
Road corridor manager Bryan Hudson said while the majority of roads in Waipā are in good condition the district's crash rates show there are still areas that need to be improved. On average there are 240 crashes and 93 people injured on Waipā roads each year.
Our communities have already identified areas of concern in the district through the 10-Year Plan consultation and general enquiries in the past 12 months. We want to add to that information to help us decide what changes need to be made.
It's important for us to collect as much detail as possible from our communities who drive their local roads every day so we can make informed decisions.
Changes could include making road improvements and providing better education for road users on safe driving habits. Feedback from the community will also help Council with its Speed Limit Bylaw review later this year.
It's important to remember that not all roads in Waipā are built the same. Rural roads have a different purpose to the roads within our towns and as a result different speeds, engineering and safety measures are required, Hudson said.
Members of the public can discuss the changes at a series of drop in sessions in August. Council staff will be available from 4-7pm on 23 August at Pirongia Rugby & Sports Club, 28 August at Cambridge Council offices and 30 August at Te Awamutu Library community room.
Copies of the feedback form can be found at Council offices and libraries or online at waipadc.govt.nz/haveyoursay. Feedback must be received by 5pm, Friday 7 September 2018.