A road safety charity believes a u-turn on a policy that's seen lower speed limits on some roads, will cost lives. The government plans to stop what it calls blanket speed limit reductions. The Labour government introduced 80km/h speed limits on some highways, and lowered the limit to 30 kays an hour around schools and some suburban streets. Transport Minister Simeon Brown says he wants a system that gets people where they want to go faster and he told Checkpoint he plans to introduce variable speed limits around schools that only apply during drop-off times. Caroline Perry from Brake NZ joins Lisa Owen. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6342930999112
There is indeed less fuel used, and therefore less pollution, when you slow vehicles down. This was tried back in the 70s, I think, with the oil price shocks and the 55mph speed limits in the USA. I think NZ did something similar.
Aren’t there other benefits besides increased safety like decreased wear on the road and air and noise pollution?
There is indeed less fuel used, and therefore less pollution, when you slow vehicles down. This was tried back in the 70s, I think, with the oil price shocks and the 55mph speed limits in the USA. I think NZ did something similar.
Also pollution from things like brake pads and tire wear (one of the biggest sources of micro plastics)