THE speed of trucks travelling through Matata has the community on edge and parents worried about the safety of their children.
Residents claim they have seen trucks travelling at 85kmh on Pakeha Street – the section of State Highway 2 that passes through the rear of the town and has a speed limit of 60kmh.
They are calling for a reduced speed limit through the town to protect schoolchildren using the route and clearer signage so truckies coming from the east have plenty of time to slow down.
Matata Public School principal Tania Raynes said students of all ages walked to and from school along Pakeha Street.
“We’re going to have an accident at this rate, and I’m scared it’s going to be one of the school kids – it’s totally unsafe,” she said.
“My biggest concern is the signage; I think the signs are too close to Pakeha Street for trucks to start the slowing down process from Edgecumbe way. They need to look at where they put those signs.”
Residents have reported vehicle damage, pets killed and a truck crashing through a fence and rolling into a paddock.
Whakatane councillor and Matata local Gavin Dennis has been working with the residents association to advocate for a lowered speed limit, clearer signage, and speed cameras.
“The Residents Association of Matata has been concerned about the speed for some time,” he said.
“A lot of people are really concerned, and some residents have noticed trucks doing 85, [sic], it’s just ridiculous.”
Waka Kotahi New Zealand Transport Agency Bay of Plenty system manager Rob Campbell said they were aware of residents’ concerns and had already begun implementing both short- and long-term plans to combat them.
“In the short term, we are working with our network contractors and Whakatane District Council to help make drivers more aware of their speed as they travel through this area,” he said.
“We are also investigating the use of a Mobile Speed Display sign in the area, to collect data on speed and to remind drivers of their speed, encouraging them to slow down. We will look to clean the existing speed and school warning signage in the area as well, to ensure signs are clearly visible to road users.
“In the next 12 months, Waka Kotahi will look to consider speed management along the SH2 Matata corridor as part of the Safe Network Programme.”
Darcey Stoneham, a Pakeha Street resident, said family Christmas was no longer held at her homestead.
“We can’t have anybody over because I’m just too scared they might run out on the road and get hit by a truck that’s speeding past.
“It’s scary, so scary, even for my kids. Even though they know the rules about the road, I’m still wary of them.”
Ms Stoneham said her sons, aged three and 11, could not have friends visit for sleepovers.
Her mum, who lives next door, has to repaint and repair cracks in her home caused by the trucks sending shudders through the building.
A truck driver, who did not want to be named, told the Beacon he agreed with residents that the speed should be reduced and the speed signs repositioned to give drivers time to slow.
“When you go through and see kids running around, it’s good for us to slow down, especially around school time. I have a daughter of my own, and we should be thinking about the kids,” he said.
“I think some drivers are just being idiots to tell you the truth. The road is dangerous so people shouldn’t be speeding anyway.”
Last month NZTA contacted the heavy vehicle and freight industry to remind them of posted speed limits through Matata, and every resident of each generation hopes the plans for change will be a promise kept.