Dr Ben Nuttall — a doctor in anaesthesia and intensive care medicine — told a hearing about traffic speed limits yesterday a lot could be done to keep trauma patients alive, but many were still left with life-long disabilities.
"I believe much of this is preventable by the way in which we design our cities and transport networks," Dr Nuttall said.
"I believe my role as a doctor not only involves treating illness but advocating for measures to prevent disease and disability."
Dr Nuttall worked for Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand Southern, but said he was not representing the organisation.
He supported 30kmh limits proposed by the Dunedin City Council in various residential areas.
Dr Nuttall said lower driving speeds resulted in fewer collisions and, when they did happen, they were less likely to result in serious injury or death to pedestrians and cyclists.
This was especially true for children, he said.
People also felt more comfortable walking and cycling in low-speed environments and this led to increased physical activity and health benefits, he said.
The council has proposed widespread reductions in speed limits and the hearing is to continue today.
It is proceeding against a backdrop of uncertainty about what exactly a new government might do about speed limits.
The National Party, which is poised to lead the next government, said in the election campaign it planned to "stop Labour’s blanket speed limit reductions" and start work on replacing a rule relating to setting speed limits.
Dunedin Area Citizens’ Association chairman Lyndon Weggery said he hoped the change of government would lead to councils having the freedom to change tack on reducing speed limits.
He was also one of several submitters to express concern about motorists encountering a series of changes to limits within short distances.
Merrin Bath was among the submitters worried about increased transit times and the cost of that on businesses.
Another submitter, Geraldine Tait, said the council’s proposal signified a major cultural change and it needed to take people with it on the journey.
Communication needed to be clear, she said.
Andrew Ellis said he had noticed positive changes in behaviour since a 30kmh zone took effect in Mornington.
However, AA Otago chairman Malcolm Budd said a 30kmh limit in Caversham had generated frustration.
Several submitters doubted low limits would be enforced by police.
Dr Nuttall said simply using signs and cameras to limit speeds was not effective.
"Good design means that the built environment encourages users to drive at the intended speed."
