Government Takes Steps to Reduce Road Cone Overuse

The Government is introducing new measures to tackle New Zealand's overreliance on road cones. Starting today, councils are required to adopt a risk-based approach to temporary traffic management.

Transport Minister Chris Bishop explained that while local roads are maintained by councils, the Government invests over $1 billion annually in council transport projects through the National Land Transport Fund. Many councils have been relying on an outdated, detailed Code of Practice that complicates temporary traffic management during roadworks.

Mr Bishop highlighted that the previous guidelines, a lengthy document of over 500 pages, prescribed exact spacing for road cones, resembling the meticulousness of formal table setting. He emphasized that New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) has adopted a more practical approach, allowing contractors to assess risks specific to each site.

This shift aims to streamline processes and improve efficiency, encouraging better traffic management without rigid rules. Mr Bishop believes that this flexibility will lead to better outcomes for road safety and flow, while also reducing unnecessary costs associated with excessive cone deployment.

Originally reported by Beehive.govt.nz - The official website of the New Zealand Government.