Red Rocks speed limit

**JimmyC** · 18th April 2013, 10:34

Does anyone know there is apparently a 10kmph speed limit along the Red Rocks South Coast road? I certainly didn’t, but a couple months ago I was stopped by Police waiting at the Owhiro Road Quarry car park after my ride who were chatting with every motorist and handing out fliers which pointed out the speed restriction. There seems to be a lot of concern from residents and DOC about people driving and riding where they shouldn’t. I stick to the road anyway, but had no idea about the speed limit.

I only raise this now because just last weekend I saw a guy on a trail bike going way too fast past a couple on one of the single lane stretches, getting them with stones on his way past. I stopped and chatted to the walkers who were not impressed, they didn't know about the limit. I waved the rider down when we met further round the coast and he didn't know anything about it either. Myself, I rarely get over 35kmph in that area and slow to a crawl past walkers, but my motivation and interest don't lie in speed.

I’d hate to see vehicular access be denied to all, so do we need to get a speed limit sign posted there? Would trail riders even be bothered going there again if the speed limit were more widely known?

**Crasherfromwayback** · 18th April 2013, 10:40

Originally Posted by JimmyC

.

I only raise this now because just last weekend I saw a guy on a trail bike going way too fast past a couple on one of the single lane stretches, getting them with stones on his way past.

You should've told the fucking RETARD to get his head out of his fucking arse and get a fucking CLUE!

**JimmyC** · 18th April 2013, 12:21

There is that, definitely. I'm just curious to know whether 'retards' like that would even bother showing up if the speed limit were more widely advertised.

**Crasherfromwayback** · 18th April 2013, 12:33

Originally Posted by JimmyC

There is that, definitely. I'm just curious to know whether 'retards' like that would even bother showing up if the speed limit were more widely advertised.

Unfortunately the common problem we have as off road riders...is that there are far too many thick as shit selfish fucking twats that ruin it for those of us that know how to behave around others and have a clue. Signs don't help...they probably can't read.

**irsh** · 18th April 2013, 14:53

Originally Posted by JimmyC

Does anyone know there is apparently a 10kmph speed limit along the Red Rocks South Coast road?

I was told it was 30km so always used that as a guideline ...we were discussing at a work and we tried searching it and nothing ,so out of pig iron we rang the council (slow day at work) . The girl took a little while and came back with this . "Unofficially the limit is 20km but officially there is no speed limit".. so basically it's down to responsibility and consideration . she also said that while the cops couldn't speed ticket you down there they could do you for basically being an asshole (my words not hers) or not having warrant and rego and so on .
Still unsatisfied we actually rang the cops (really slow day at work) and they didn't know ??

So THEY rang the council and came came back with pretty much the same thing ... so officially there's no speed limit , probably why there's no signs ?

I like most people slow it right down when passing people, dogs, cars, bikes and anything really but i couldn't stay on 10 km through the deep stuff or I'd be off the bike more than on it ...but that's normally at the far reaches where you don't come across many walkers etc .
I have seen some right dicks down there all the same ...in cars more than bikes and I'm down there in both so not being biker biased

On that note i might be heading down there on Saturday on the DRZ for a spin...be lots of puddles to splash in

**oneofsix** · 18th April 2013, 15:02

No sign to change the limit then the previous limit applies doesn't it, no sign = no change. But then all those other factors also apply like driving to the conditions, careless and dangerous driving, inconsiderate operation of a motor vehicle, even the "boy racer" laws.

**JimmyC** · 18th April 2013, 15:22

Originally Posted by oneofsix

No sign to change the limit then the previous limit applies doesn't it, no sign = no change.

In light of Irsh's post it would seem no one knows what the limit was let alone is. My flyer said 10kmph, he's been told by the same people it's 20 and\or 30... until it's actually sign posted and there's legal consensus there's little we can do about speeding muppets short of waggling an ineffective finger. Either that or they'll just close access.

**FJRider** · 18th April 2013, 16:17

Originally Posted by Crasherfromwayback

Unfortunately the common problem we have as off road riders...is that there are far too many thick as shit selfish fucking twats that ruin it for those of us that know how to behave around others and have a clue. Signs don't help...they probably can't read.

Are they the one's that are not aware of the legal definition of what a road is ???

With the assumption that ... if they are not actually "on" the road (eg: they are on the edge of ... or near [or nowhere near] a road ... or on the footpath) they are breaking no laws.

The definition of road that is used for law enforcement purposes, including the enforcement of requirements relating to the use of motor vehicles, has been widened from the traditional view of what is a road.

This statutory definition covers places to which the public have access - whether of right or not. For an example, read the definition of 'road' in the Land Transport Act 1998 (on the Public Access to Legislation Project website). Take particular note of paragraph (d) and the words 'A place to which the public have access, whether as of right or not'.

Another feature, not seen often overseas, is the specific inclusion of a beach as a road. This allows local authorities to set speed limits on beaches, and also allows the New Zealand Police to enforce traffic laws, such as registration requirements, that apply to the on-road use of motor vehicles.

The definition aims to ensure that the public are protected from the misuse of motor vehicles, even in areas where we would not ordinarily expect to find motor vehicles. It is important to note that the definition does not give a right of access to any area covered by it, but rather ensures that the Act, and others like it, applies regardless of any public rights of access and use.

**Crasherfromwayback** · 18th April 2013, 17:06

Originally Posted by FJRider

Are they the one's that are not aware of the legal definition of what a road is ???

With the assumption that ... if they are not actually "on" the road (eg: they are on the edge of ... or near [or nowhere near] a road ... or on the footpath) they are breaking no laws.

They're simply the ones that have no fucking idea whatsoever about common decency and respect for other people.