Rural Intersection Active Warning System Variable Speed Limits – Low Cost Corridor Safety Improvements Programme

Pursuant to clause 4.5(4) and 5.2(1) of Land Transport Rule: Setting of Speed Limits 2017 and clause 4.4(4) of Land Transport Rule: Traffic Control Devices 2004 and delegations from the NZ Transport Agency, I, Niclas Johansson, Senior Manager Internal Practice, approve rural intersection active warning system variable speed limits as described in clauses 1 and 2, in accordance with the conditions set out in clauses 3 to 6 of this notice.

1. Approval of variable speed limits

The NZ Transport Agency, System Design and Delivery Group (as the road controlling authority), may set the variable speed limit as listed at each location in clause 2 of this notice.

2. Location and variable speed limit

Conditions

3. Operation of the variable speed limit

The variable speed limit, which must be displayed on variable speed limit signs, may operate on the main road to manage the safety of traffic when a vehicle is detected approaching the intersection on the side roads or turning right on the main road and may continue to operate until those vehicles have cleared the intersection. When the variable speed limit is not operating, the variable speed limit signs must either display the permanent speed limit or be blank.

4. Signs

Speed limit signs that comply with Land Transport Rule: Traffic Control Devices 2004 must be installed to identify the section of road subject to the variable speed limit as follows:

1. at least one R1-2.1, Option B, “Variable speed” sign installed above a W11 series intersection warning sign, at the beginning of the variable speed limit on the main road, facing road users on each approach to the intersection; and
2. R1-1 “Standard” or R1-1.1 “100km/h” speed limit signs at the end of the variable speed limit, facing road users on each road that leaves the intersection, to indicate the permanent speed limit that applies beyond that point.

5. Length of variable speed limit

The variable speed limit on the main road must be a minimum length of 300 metres, but must not be longer than 500 metres. This condition is to optimise the safe operation of the variable speed limit by setting a safe, reasonable and practical length that clearly connects the speed limit with the intersection to encourage willing compliance by road users and thereby reduce the risk of crashes caused by conflicting manoeuvres at the intersection.

6. Bylaw

The NZ Transport Agency, System Design and Delivery Group, must set the variable speed limit by making a bylaw in accordance with Land Transport Rule: Setting of Speed Limits 2017.

Signed at Wellington this 16th day of May 2018.

NICLAS JOHANSSON, Senior Manager Internal Practice, NZ Transport Agency.