Waka Kotahi is reviewing speeds along SH7 between Maruia Springs and Reefton, where safer speed limits will help stop any more people being killed or seriously injured in crashes.
Waka Kotahi is identifying roads throughout Aotearoa New Zealand where reviewing speed limits could make a big difference in preventing people being killed or seriously injured, and where communities are calling for change.
This speed review focusses on SH7, from Maruia Springs to Reefton in the Buller District. This State Highway passes through the two small townships of Springs Junction and Blacks Point. The road is two-laned, generally curvy with some winding sections and difficult corners.
We would like to know what you think about the current speed limits on SH7 between Maruia Springs and Reefton. Do the existing speed limits feel safe for the way that people use the road? Do the existing speed limits affect your community? What do you think would be a safe speed limit?
We want people to share their thoughts on speeds on this section of the State Highway, including around places like local walking tracks, mountain bike tracks, local school bus routes, marae, businesses, homes and workplaces.
We want everyone who uses our roads to get to where they’re going safely.
Project information sheet [PDF, 1.9 MB]
Online information session recording:
Feedback closes on Wednesday 24 November 2021
Through the speed review process, we will work with the local community to gather, share information and collaborate to ensure we understand your concerns.
| Location on SH7 | Current speed limits | Average speeds |
|---|---|---|
| Maruia Springs to Springs Junction | 100 km/h | 80-84 km/h |
| Springs Junction township | 60 km/h | 70–74 km/h |
| Springs Junction to Blacks Point | 100 km/h | 85–89 km/h |
| Blacks Point township | 70 km/h | 60–64 km/h |
| Blacks Point to Reefton | 100 km/h | 65–69 km/h |
Feedback closed on Wednesday 24 November 2021. We thank everyone who has provided us with their feedback. We are reviewing this feedback and within the coming months we will provide a summary of what we heard and the next steps.
You can see the feedback that people provided via our online tool here:
SH7 Maruia Sprints to Reefton online feedback(external link)
Find out more about the speed review process
More information about speed and the speed review process is available on the ‘Speed Management’ webpage
We’re not proposing any new speed limits at this stage of the review. We’ll use the feedback we get during engagement to recommend what speed limits are best for these roads and then formally consult with you. The stages of the speed review process are:
| Speed review starts | A technical assessment of the road is carried out to find out about crash history, average vehicle speeds, volume of vehicles and development of surrounding areas. This helps to determine what safe and appropriate speeds should be. |
| Engagement | We talk to local communities and stakeholders to understand how the road is being used, find out any safety concerns and get feedback on current speeds. |
| Formal consultation | Changing a speed limit is a legal process, so this stage involves sharing a detailed proposal with people and asking for any additional information that might have an impact on the final decision. |
| Notification of speed limit change | Feedback is considered, a final decision is published on our website, and the public is notified. |
| New speed limit implemented | New speed limit signs are installed on the road. |
