‘Rules are rules’: no compromise on speed limits

Southland district councillors expressed their frustration and resentfully agreed to an NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) directive to change speed limits - again.

During a tense council meeting on Wednesday, NZTA acting director of regional relationships Ian Duncan faced sharp criticism from councillors regarding speed limit adjustments.

The amendments aim to achieve nationwide consistency - a directive that councils, like Southland, have been compelled to follow, despite their reservations.

Mr Duncan said that, as a regional controlling authority, NZTA was bound by the new national rule, which left no room for flexibility.

"The rule is quite prescriptive and sets out [the changes] quite clearly and there’s no scope to bend it," he said.

"A rule is a rule at the end of the day and we just have to comply with it."

Despite this, he told councillors they had the choice whether to use digital or static signs to indicate the new variable speed limits.

Cr Matt Wilson voiced his frustration, calling the lack of flexibility and disregard for public consultation "ridiculous".

"A rule is a rule, but if there are lots of councils saying the nuances of the rule are not working, is that rule fit for purpose for all of us?" he asked.

Mayor Rob Scott also expressed his displeasure, highlighting the irony of not being able to influence speed limits around schools on roads that the council manages.

"If we don’t like a rule, we should be able to challenge it," he said. "It just feels like we don’t have much control here when we are actually tasked with managing our roads ...

"I know you [Mr Duncan] don’t make the rules, but the sentiment that has come through today needs to be passed on to the people who do make the rules because you have heard from multiple speakers today around the irony of it - or to be so blunt, the stupidity of some of it."

The debate reflected growing frustration among local governments as they grapple with top-down regulations that appear to undermine local input and decision-making authority.

Despite their concerns, the councillors acknowledged the pressure from central government to comply with the national directive, although many remain unconvinced of its practicality in their region.

It was expected to cost up to $50,000 to change the region’s speed signs in school zones. However, the council could apply for a 55% co-investment contribution from the National Land Transport Fund. The council’s unbudgeted $22,500 contribution would come from its existing roading reserve funding.

Mr Scott wanted to know the consequences for maintaining the status quo on which the public had been consulted.

Mr Duncan said that would rest with the director of the transport agency but some compliance work needed to be completed by July 1.

Cr Darren Frazer said he could not understand the rationale behind the changes. "It’s crazy."