To make roads safer,reduce risk on the road, we can improve the roads by removing roadside obstacles and straightening out bends. We can put in barriers, roundabouts or dedicated cycle lanes. We can create shared zones and make improvements to benefit pedestrians. We can also lower speeds.speed limits.
Locals know local roads and frequently have a perspective on what needs to be done. It’s important these perspectives are heard and taken into account.
Sometimes it isn’t obvious where change needs to happen, and what this change needs to be. The Transport Agency’s speed management maps provide evidence to help identify roads where risk should be addressed.
When communities are in involved this process, there are choices to make – whether it’s better to change the speed limit on a road, or invest in improving it. The best option will depend on the function and use of the road. The cost and benefit for making improvements need to be considered.
Communities have an important role to play in contributingcan contribute to discussions about making local risk and how to make their roads safer.
Some facts:
- Decisions about how to reduce risks on roads are made by Road Controlling Authorities (RCAs), which are made up of representatives from local council and the New Zealand Transport Agency. RCAs are the owners of road assets within New Zealand.
- Communities can contribute by participating in community information, engagement and consultation activities led by their local RCAs, the Transport Agency and their local councils.
- Funding to improve roads comes from local rates and the National Land Transport Fund (NLTF).
- The National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) for 2015 – 2018 contains all the land transport activities, including public transport, road maintenance and improvement, and walking and cycling activities, that the NZ Transport Agency anticipates funding over the three years.