READ MORE:* Slower speeds outside schools, not the whole highway, say principals* Highway speed limit near Nelson will drop* Lower speed limits made permanent along parts of State Highway 1In chasing more info from NZTA, Stuff was directed to the agency's 'myth busting' link online. Myth: The speed limits in NZ are low compared to other countries, so it's ridiculous to make them even lowerOur roads are unique. It's only on highest quality motorways in some of those countries that speed limits are higher. This includes lowering speed limits where investment cannot be justified, increased enforcement and encouragement of safe road use. Myth: Introducing a lower speed limit on its own won't change traffic speedsThe evidence is very consistent that, for every 10kmh posted speed limit reduction, typically you observe a 2 to 3kmh reduction in mean or average speeds, all other things being equal.

Source: Stuff October 19, 2019 22:30 UTC