Red strips move 'successful'

It may seem like a simple idea, but the thick red strips such as the ones that cross State Highway 1 at Spring Creek are making the region's roads safer, according to Marlborough Roads.

Manager Frank Porter said the strips known as speed thresholds leave drivers in no doubt the speed limit is about to change as they enter populated areas.

The thresholds were installed at both ends of the SH1 entrance and the Rapaura Rd entrance to Spring Creek about six weeks ago, and signal the change to a speed limit of 70kmh.

The speed limit through Spring Creek was changed from 80kmh to improve safety at the intersection with Rapaura Rd which has been the scene of many traffic crashes.

Marlborough Roads is still investigating more options to make the intersection safer.

The strips have also been installed at the Riverlands entrance of Blenheim on SH1.

"It's a good way of achieving awareness and it does seem to be very successful," Mr Porter said.

Marlborough Roads has not done a speed survey at Spring Creek since the strips were installed, but held a focus group of randomly selected people.

Feedback was positive with participants saying the strips were very noticeable and there was no way drivers could miss the change in speed, he said.

Wairau Valley, Rai Valley and Renwick were possible candidates, but Marlborough Roads had no firm plans or budget for the work.

Those areas were considered stretches of road where excessive speed was a risk, he said. The speed thresholds are a new option for the New Zealand Transport Agency and were being rolled out throughout the country, he said.

- The Marlborough Express

SIMON WONG

Last updated 13:00 08/07/2011

DEREK FLYNN/Marlborough Express

SLOW DOWN: Red strips painted on road entrances to Spring Creek aim to reduce the accident rate at the State Highway 1-Rapaura Rd intersection.

arnie #1 02:02 pm Jul 08 2011

As usual the transport agencies are away behind the rest of the world on this and also it is time they put more speed readers in that flash you to slow down as you enter a slower speed zone and you don't react quick enough. They are very effective overseas. (edited)