New speed signs spell out warning

They're black and white and the message they carry says it all in two words - slow down.

The first of the new speed warning signs has gone up on Rapanui Rd, between SH3 and Kai Iwi beach and a known accident black spot in the Wanganui district.

It is on the left hand side of the road heading toward Westmere a few hundred metres from the playcentre. A second sign will be positioned at the city end of Rapanui Rd, not far from the Watt-Livingstone intersection.

Glenda Leitao, Roadsafe co-ordinator for Horizons Regional Council, said there had been positive feedback from the public. Mrs Leitao said the road was recognised as one of the worst speed and accident black spots in the district and the signs would be up before peak summer traffic.

In the last decade there have been 33 crashes reported on Rapanui Rd and five of those serious. There have been nine minor injury crashes and 19 non-injury crashes.

But she said speed had been a factor in the majority of those crashes along a stretch of rural roadway that had long straights broken up by tight corners that often caught drivers unawares.

"The new bill boards are replacing the previous speed-themed billboard Rapanui Rd which had faded and been vandalised.