SH6 Speed limits to increase between Blenheim and Nelson

Speed limits will revert to their previous limits on all sections of State Highway 6 between Blenheim and Nelson after feedback showed strong opposition to keeping the speeds at the lower limit.

A section of the highway at Marybank is still being consulted on and is not included.

Between 1100 and 1800 people responded to a question asking them to scale how they felt about retaining the lower speed limits on specific sections of the highway, with five options between strongly oppose or strongly support.

Of the 1694 responses, 49 per cent strongly opposed keeping the speed limit between Whangamoa and Hira, while 36 per cent strongly supported the retention.

Road users were more likely to oppose, while the local community were more likely to support.

Rai Valley to Whangamoa saw more of the local community and schools strongly opposing the status quo, instead favouring a return to previous limits.

SH6 Pelorus Bridge to Rai Valley also saw strong support for reverting to the previous limit with 63 per cent of 1608 responders strongly opposing retaining the limits.

NZTA say the speed limit reversals on these roads must be implemented by 1 July 2025.