Changes to improve safety on a notoriously dangerous Bell Block section of State Highway 3 could backfire and cause more chaos, road-users say. Speeds on the stretch of SH3, between Mangati Rd in Bell Block and Mahoetahi Rd, near Brixton, have been reduced to 80kmh and two passing lanes along the route have been shut. The decision to put the temporary changes in place before Christmas was made by the New Zealand Transport Agency and the police. However, consultation with the community and stakeholders would be carried out before any verdict on their permanency. NZTA statistics show since 2008 there have been three fatalities, 12 serious injuries and 56 minor injuries on the stretch of road. Feedback on the changes should be sent to hno-pn@nzta.govt.nz or mailed to NZ Transport Agency, PO Box 1947, Palmerston North 4440 and should be headed “Speed Limit North of New Plymouth”.
