Auckland speed limit reversals peer review

ViaStrada was commissioned by Auckland Transport to independently peer review their approach to reversing permanent speed limits across Auckland's road network, as required under the Land Transport Rule – Setting of Speed Limits 2024. The Rule required Road Controlling Authorities to reverse speed limits on specified local streets and urban connectors that were reduced on or after 1 January 2020, particularly where schools were a stated reason for the change. Auckland Transport identified a total of 1,554 roads for reversal, affecting approximately 577 km of their network and 155 schools. ViaStrada's role was to assess whether the methodology used to compile this list was robust and consistent with the Rule's requirements, reviewing around 20% of the local roads identified, all schools targeted for reversal, and associated consultation material.

While our review confirmed that the general approach was sound and that many of the identified roads correctly met the reversal criteria of the Rule, we identified several areas where the inclusion of streets as school-related zones appeared contestable. These included areas in Manurewa, Ponsonby, Freemans Bay, and Māngere East — collectively representing up to 159 street sections that may be eligible for exemption from reversal. We also identified 16 street sections near schools that could instead revert to a variable 30 km/h limit, due to proximity to school gates or to avoid creating awkward isolated pockets of 50 km/h road. ViaStrada recommended that Auckland Transport review these cases before finalising their reversal programme.