Cyclists support a police move to reduce the speed tolerance
limit this Queen's Birthday Weekend but say it should apply
permanently.
Police yesterday announced that, fed up with carnage on the
roads, they would prosecute every driver caught more than
4kmh over the speed limit this weekend.
The move follows a horror holiday weekend last year, in which
10 people were killed and 32 seriously injured -- the highest
toll in 13 years.
Cycling Advocates' Network (CAN) spokeswoman Anne FitzSimons
said her group fully supported tougher enforcement of speed
limits -- permanently.
"If it makes sense for Queens Birthday, it makes sense all
the time," Ms FitzSimons said.
The case for lower speeds was compelling; people hit by
vehicles at lower speeds were less likely to be killed or
seriously injured, and there was less chance of them being
hit because the motorist would have more of chance to avoid a
crash.
"Zero tolerance for speeding offences, and lowering operating
speeds, will improve safety for all road users -- not just
cyclists," Ms FitzSimons said.
National road policing manager Superintendent Paula Rose said
police would be out in force from tomorrow to enforce the
tough new stance.
"The speed limit is just that -- the limit," she said.
"We will be enforcing a 'no excuses' policy towards all
individuals who break the speed limit this weekend."
The Queen's Birthday road toll period will run from 4pm
tomorrow until 6am on Tuesday.
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