Pursuant to subclause 3.4(1) of Land Transport Rule: Traffic Control Devices 2004 (the Rule) and a delegation from the
NZ Transport Agency, I, Glenn Bunting, Network Manager, hereby authorise the installation and maintenance of variable speed limit signs and active warning signs at rural intersections:
(a) for the purpose described in Schedule 1;
(b) in the form and layout, set out in Schedule 2;
(c) at the locations stated in Schedule 3;
(d) for the period specified in Schedule 4; and
(e) subject to the terms and conditions detailed in Schedule 5.
The active warning signs shall be used for the purpose of evaluating their use and the trial shall be called the "Rural intersection active warning signs trial".
Schedule 1-Purpose of trial
The purpose of the trial is to:
(a) evaluate the effectiveness and safety of variable speed limit signs and active warning signs as an alternative to signs specified in Schedule 1 of the Rule;
(b) assess the effectiveness of supplementary intersection warning signs below variable speed limit signs to explain the reason for a reduced speed limit;
(c) compare the effectiveness of a speed limit sign with the effectiveness of an active intersection warning "SLOW DOWN" sign.
Schedule 2-Form and Layout of Signs
Form
The signs must be as specified in the following descriptions:
Variable speed intersection warning
The speed limit is the number of km/h shown on the sign; combined with an intersection warning to advise drivers that the reduced speed is due to the risk of vehicles crossing or turning at the intersection.
Shape and size: R1-2.1 variable speed limit sign above a W11 series, W12 series, W15-1 series, W15-8.4 or W15-8.5 intersection warning sign. Optional rectangle backing board 1200 x 2400 mm (black background).
Example
"Variable speed intersection warning" sign

IMAGE OF SIGN HERE

Active intersection warning
The legend is illuminated and optional lights on the top corners are illuminated and flash when there is a risk of vehicles crossing or turning at the intersection.
Shape and size: W11 series, W12 series, W15-1 series, W15-8.4 or W15-8.5 intersection warning sign above an active LED "Slow Down" sign. Optional rectangle backing board 1200 x 2000 mm (black background).
Active LED "Slow Down" sign
Shape and size: Rectangle 800 x 600 mm
Background: Black (unlit)
Border: none
Legend: Description Colour Size
"SLOW"
"DOWN" Yellow (lit) or white (lit) 160/25 effective
Option: Optional lights in the top corners of the backing board, which flash alternately when crossing or turning vehicles are detected Orange or yellow (when lit) 60 cm2 effective
Example
"Active intersection warning" sign

IMAGE OF SIGN HERE

Schedule 3-Locations for Trial
The locations approved for this trial are as follows:
Road Controlling Authority Main Road Side Road Locality
Auckland Transport Glen Brook Road Kingseat Road Kingseat, Auckland
Auckland Transport Mill Road Harrisville Road Pukekohe East
Hastings District Council Longlands Road East Te Aute Road Pukahu, Hastings
Hastings District Council Longlands Road West Railway Road South Longlands, Hastings
Hastings District Council Pakowhai Road Farndon Road Tomoana, Hastings
Hastings District Council Pakowhai Road Ruahapia Road Tomoana, Hastings
Selwyn District Council Leeston Road Collins Road and Powells Road Springston
NZ Transport Agency State Highway 1N Apotu Road Kauri, Whangarei
NZ Transport Agency State Highway 1N Huka Falls Road and Karapiti Road Taupo
NZ Transport Agency State Highway 1N Highway 56 and
Himatangi Beach Road Himatangi, Manawatu
NZ Transport Agency State Highway 1N State Highway 29 Piarere
NZ Transport Agency State Highway 1N Te Kauwhata Road Te Kauwhata
NZ Transport Agency State Highway 2 East Taratahi Road West Taratahi, Masterton
NZ Transport Agency State Highway 2 State Highway 25 Maramarua
NZ Transport Agency State Highway 2 Whakatiki Street Upper Hutt
NZ Transport Agency State Highway 3 Mangati Road Bell Block, New Plymouth
NZ Transport Agency State Highway 3 Roberts Line and
Te Matai Road Palmerston North
NZ Transport Agency State Highway 3 State Highway 21 Hamilton Airport
NZ Transport Agency State Highway 3 State Highway 37 Waitomo Caves
NZ Transport Agency State Highway 5 Waikite Valley Road and Waiotapu Loop Road Waiotapu
NZ Transport Agency State Highway 6 Aniseed Valley Road and Edens Road Hope
NZ Transport Agency State Highway 6 Lower Shotover Road Lower Shotover
NZ Transport Agency State Highway 6 State Highway 8B Cromwell
NZ Transport Agency State Highway 6 State Highway 84 Wanaka
NZ Transport Agency State Highway 10 State Highway 11 Puketona
NZ Transport Agency State Highway 57 Queens Street East Levin
NZ Transport Agency State Highway 73 Buchanans Road Yaldhurst, Christchurch
Schedule 4-Period of trial
The trial may begin after the publication of this notice and, unless terminated earlier, must end by 31 July 2014.
Schedule 5-Conditions
Speed Limit
The variable speed limit at a location listed in Schedule 3 must be set in accordance with Land Transport Rule: Setting of Speed Limits 2003 and the "Variable Speed Limit at Rural Intersections" notice published in the New Zealand Gazette,
9 August 2012, No. 94, page 2598.
Signs
At least one "Variable speed intersection warning" sign must be installed on the main road on each approach to an intersection listed in Schedule 3 for which a variable speed limit has been set.
R1-1, R1-1.1 or R1-3 signs that comply with Land Transport Rule: Traffic Control Devices 2004 must be installed on each departure from an intersection listed in Schedule 3 for which a variable speed limit has been set.
"Active intersection warning" signs, as described in this notice, may be installed on the approach to intersections listed in Schedule 3 for which a variable speed limit has not been set.
Evaluation
An evaluation and analysis shall be undertaken as outlined in the trial application document dated 27 September 2011, received from the NZ Transport Agency Highways and Network Operations Group. An interim evaluation report must be sent to me after six months of operation and a final report by 31 August 2014.
Signed at Wellington this 6th day of August 2012.
GLENN BUNTING, Network Manager.