Abstract
This article explores the tension between international attempts to increase road safety and the speed limit increases in the Land Transport Rule: Setting of Speed Limits 2024. The
Rule will raise speed limits around schools excluding pick-up and drop-off times, based on an economic rationale: weighing time saved from faster travel against increased injuries
and deaths, both expressed in monetary terms. The Rule disregards broader public health impacts of increased speed limits, such as discouraging active communities by stifling walking and cycling. It is also unfair, as faster speeds disproportionately benefit drivers, while vulnerable road users like children bear the brunt of increased risk.
When it comes to speed limits, we need a more balanced approach to protect public health and community safety, an approach that aligns with design speeds to which our vehicles
are configured that takes a longer-term view of societal, environmental and economic wellbeing.