Living Streets Aotearoa strongly supports Auckland Transport’s intention to make the city a better place to live by lowering speeds.

At the Trafinz Conference being held in Wellington, Auckland Transport’s CEO Shane Ellison announced that it would be implementing safer and more appropriate speed limits in the city centre, in town centres and in other parts of the city.

Living Streets’ Safer Speeds spokesperson Dr. Chris Teo-Sherrell says if Auckland wants to be a world class city it needs to do things in world class ways. Achieving lower speeds through lower speed limits, safe speed street designs, education, technology to assist drivers keep speeds safe and more enforcement are what is needed.

These sorts of measures have been or are being implemented in top cities around the world. London is introducing 20mph limits. New York has already decreased speeds. Many European cities have had them for years.

Lower speeds have lots of pay-offs. More people walking. Livelier streets with more people spending money along them. Smoother traffic flow. Less noise. Fewer crashes and fewer people killed or seriously injured.

Auckland has grown so fast and the density of people using streets makes 50km/h unsuitable for many streets. People of all ages, whether on foot, or using wheels, should be able to get about and use the streets safely. The proposal by Auckland Transport is an important step to making this a reality.

About Living Streets Aotearoa

Living Streets Aotearoa is the New Zealand organisation for people on foot, promoting walking-friendly communities. We are a nationwide organisation with local branches and affiliates throughout New Zealand.

Walking helps children to develop independence and enhances their physical health and mental well-being.

Walking helps elderly people to maintain health, independence and social connection.

Walking helps everyone’s mental and physical wellbeing. Walking is great medicine especially for depression, muscle mass, reducing obesity, increasing bone density and cardiovascular health.

Walking is essential for retail success and public transport viability.

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