Auckland Transport has released a new performance update in light of its “safer speed limits” initiative which shows overall road deaths are reducing.
The recently released Vision Zero performance update shows that in 2018, there were 54 deaths on Auckland’s roads; in 2019 40 people lost their lives; and in 2020 there were 37 deaths on the city’s roads.
The report shows that in 2020, speeding was a factor in 51% of road deaths. This means that the attending police officer selected the category ‘inappropriate speed’ when completing the crash report.
Auckland Transport executive general manager of safety Bryan Sherritt says while the data is trending down, the deaths are still devastating.
“We still have a long way to go to reach our Vision Zero goal of no deaths and serious injuries on our network. We shouldn’t be losing anyone while they’re simply traveling around our city.
AT says this is the reason for dropping speed limits throughout the city which includes around 800km of roads (approximately 600 roads).
Sherritt says that AT’s safer speeds work is a vital part of the plan to save lives.
Following last year’s speed limit changes, feedback from Aucklanders showed 61% of people support the changes overall, with 86% of people supporting lower speed limits near schools and kindergartens.
Sherritt says AT’s safer speeds work is just one part of the puzzle when it comes to reaching the ultimate goal of no deaths or serious injuries on the network.
Between 2018 and 2020, work included four new roundabouts at high-risk intersections, 28 new red light cameras across the network and more than 45 raised pedestrian crossings for busy areas where there are a lot of children and other vulnerable road users in the area.
Other work included free driver licensing workshops, a new wire rope median barrier for high-risk Dairy Flat Highway, and a Dominion Road motorcycle safety trial to improve the visibility of motorcycles to turning vehicles.
Sherritt says that while safer speeds is an important road safety component, other pieces of the puzzle need to be in place.
“Since the COVID-19 lockdowns, there’s been a disheartening increase in death and serious injuries on Auckland’s roads.
“Driving at an inappropriate speed and under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol are emerging as the two main factors contributing to this undesired upswing.
“We know Aucklanders support having a safer network. Research has shown that 74% of Aucklanders support much higher fines for using a mobile phone while driving (it’s currently $80); 75% of people support compulsory roadside testing of drivers for drug use; 81% of people agree that compulsory breath testing helps lower the road toll; and 89% of people agree that enforcing the use of seat belts helps lower the road toll.
“As we consult with the public on the next phase of safer speeds, we will incorporate all the public feedback we have received so far, the lessons we’ve learnt and the data we’ve gathered. There’s much more to be done, but we are on the right track,” Sherritt says.
