Stuff. Despite these low numbers, Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency’s Crash Analysis System shows there have been many crashes, including fatal crashes, along the highway in past years. Emma Pownall said she thought she spoke for a lot of locals when describing the speed reduction as “deplorable”. “Motorists who have driven this road daily for decades are frustrated,” Pownall said. DANIELLE CLENT/Stuff “Most feel that 80kmh was a perfectly reasonable speed for this stretch of road.” Pownall said she had seen drivers become impatient with those driving at the new speed, with tailgating and dangerous overtaking happening. She had received two $80 fines for exceeding the speed limit herself, and said although she tried to keep to 60kmh, it was almost an “impossible task”.