New 30km speed zone imposed between Ngatangiia and Titikaveka
Minister of Police, Hon Henry Puna today announced a reduced speed zone to take effect immediately between Avana Bridge in Ngatangiia and Parengaru Bridge in Titikaveka.
Prompted by the high number of road accidents and fatalities in the area, Mr Puna said the 30 km speed zone restriction complemented a wider effort by
residents, sports clubs and local businesses to ensure their community was safer and more secure for themselves and visitors to the area.
Mr Puna said police records show between 10 and 20 crashes occur every month in Rarotonga and the latest restriction was a response to try to halt the needless loss of lives and injuries sustained as a result of crashes.
“In the last three years there has been an alarming trend of serious injuries and fatalities almost entirely due to speed and alcohol and most involving motorbikes.”
He said not wearing helmets or seatbelts also contribute to the severity of injuries. Police data shows that most accidents occur during the weekends in the early morning and during daylight hours.
The most common location of crash fatalities and serious injuries is the Nikao-Panama district - on the road behind the airport and the main road by the seawall.
Accordingly, Minister Puna said he would seek another speed zone for Aitupa along the road behind the airport.
“The new speed zones will work in tandem with a more prominent policing presence and vigilance on the roads over coming months,” he said. “With the support of local people we can all help to focus attention on the hazards of speeding and alcohol, and by doing this stem the carnage that causes the senseless loss of so many lives each year.”
- PM Office Media Release

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