Rakaia residents may get their wish granted on retaining the highway speed limit through town at 50kmh.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi is considering a speed review process for the location, set to go up to 70kmh by July 1.
It follows a public outcry as the speed increase plan was announced by the government in January as part of national changes.
NZTA responded to the outcry by asking people to email concerns.
On Tuesday, an NZTA spokesperson told The Ashburton Courier about 80 emails had come in, including a letter from the mayor.
‘‘As a result, NZTA is now considering options for initiating a new speed review process including a consultation with the community before July 1, which would relook at the speed limit in this location,’’ the spokesperson said.
Rakaia Community Association chair Neil Pluck welcomed the news. It followed him having talked to NZTA representatives himself.
‘‘I have been given a lot of hope from those phone calls and emails,’’ Pluck said.
The highway having been at 50kmh, since May last year, had made it quieter, and safer for both pedestrians and motorists.
‘‘It’s such a different vibe,’’ he said.
Meanwhile, NZTA consultation on the highway speed north of Rakaia increasing from 80kmh to 100kmh closes today.
