The government rushed last night to pass a bill retrospectively validating speed limits set by local councils – which had left questions around the validity of speed limits.
The Land Transport (Speed Limits Validation and Other Matters) Bill was required following officials becoming aware that a number of councils may not have reviewed their local speed limits to an appropriate schedule, making them potentially invalid.
While the 100km/h national speed limit stood, in areas with lesser council-set limits, Police-issued tickets may have become invalid.
“After it was brought to officials’ attention that some councils failed to renew their speed limit bylaws, the Government was made aware of a potential problem with some speed limits set from 2004 onwards,” local government minister Paula Bennett says.
The potential issue was initially raised by the Kapiti Coast District Council, which was concerned its speed limit bylaw may have expired and other councils may well have been in the same situation.
While the move received a unanimous vote, many MPs complained about the need for urgency, and questioned how the loophole had been open so long.
“While it’s not known exactly how many drivers or infringement notices may be affected, this is a moot point given that the notices – which were issued in good faith for speeding offences at the time – are now confirmed as being valid,” transport minister Simon Bridges says.
“My priority is to ensure public safety through the maintenance and enforcement of speed limits. For that reason, the Government has moved swiftly to eliminate confusion, protect the public and fix the potential problem.”
