Rotorua people who want to have a say on proposed changes to local speed limits have one more week to make submissions or provide feedback on the district’s draft Speed Management Plan.

So far, more than 800 submissions have been received and consultation closes on Friday, August 18.

Council is seeking feedback on aspects of the draft Speed Management Plan, which has been  developed in line with National Transport Rule guidelines with a priority to reduce speed around all Rotorua schools and within the CBD to 30km/h.

Infrastructure and environment deputy chief executive, Stavros Michael, says Council does not have the ability to change the Waka Kotahi mandate for 30km/h around schools but feedback is sought on other proposed changes.

“There have been 430 deaths and serious injuries in the Rotorua district in the last 10 years causing significant social costs. The changes proposed in the Speed Management Plan aim to decrease the number of speed-related crashes and ensure our transport network connects people and places in safe, accessible and smart ways.”

Of the roads with a proposed new speed limit of 20-50 km/h, 86 per cent currently have speed limits higher than the safe and appropriate speeds recommended by Waka Kotahi.

“We all have a responsibility to strengthen parts of the transport network — things like safe roads with safe speeds, safe vehicles and encouraging safe choices.

“This is the community’s chance to have a say on how the approach to setting safe speed limits is shaped for the next 10 years.”

Once Council has adopted a Speed Management Plan it must be submitted to Waka Kotahi for certification and then to the Regional Transport Committee for integration into a Regional Speed Management Plan. There will be public consultation on a draft regional plan.

Following a regional plan being adopted, Rotorua Lakes Council will implement speed limit reductions around schools initially, with other changes to be phased in after that, as agreed in thePlan.

Head to www.rotorualakescouncil.nz/smp to review information and provide feedback.

There are various ways to provide feedback:

• Fill out the submission form online, at Rotorua Lakes Council customer centre or at Rotorua

Library at Te Aka Mauri.

• Email letstalk@rotorualc.nz

• Phone Rotorua Lakes Council on 07 348 4199