Take it easy in Hurunui's towns

A quiet road is not an invitation to speed.

So, take the time to slow down when approaching a town from an open road.

It sounds simple, but it does not always happen.

North Canterbury Highway Patrol Officer Constable Lincoln Sun is urging drivers to take care when entering quiet settlements such as Leithfield Village from the surrounding 100 km/h roads.

He said that when drivers see a reduced speed sign ahead, they should take their foot off the accelerator and allow their vehicle to slow down naturally. Around 350 metres is a reasonable distance for a smooth reduction from 100 km/h to 50 km/h, without drivers feeling rushed to brake.

"Keep an eye out for pedestrians, because they will be expecting you to slow down," said Constable Sun.

He added that drivers should also watch for people using footpaths, dog walkers, and stock on or near the road.

"And if the roads are wet, it will take even longer to slow down."

Safer Roads Facilitator Emma Feathery said the objective is simple: drivers should be travelling at the posted speed limit when they enter any of Hurunui's townships, including Leithfield Village, rather than slowing down after they have already entered the community.

She said people are lucky here in Hurunui to have lovely quiet safe towns like Leithfield where people of all ages feel safe wandering about.

"We want to maintain that environment by encouraging drivers to slow down sooner and enter the village at a safe and appropriate speed."

During October and November, the Better Together Education and Enforcement campaign brings together the New Zealand Transport Agency, Canterbury councils, and Police in a united effort to remind road users of the harm speed causes on our roads.