Cyclists support a police move to reduce the speed tolerance limit this Queen's Birthday Weekend but say it should apply permanently.
Police yesterday announced that, fed up with carnage on the roads, they would prosecute every driver caught more than 4kmh over the speed limit this weekend.
The move follows a horror holiday weekend last year, in which 10 people were killed and 32 seriously injured -- the highest toll in 13 years.
Cycling Advocates' Network (CAN) spokeswoman Anne FitzSimons said her group fully supported tougher enforcement of speed limits -- permanently.
"If it makes sense for Queens Birthday, it makes sense all the time," Ms FitzSimons said.
The case for lower speeds was compelling; people hit by vehicles at lower speeds were less likely to be killed or seriously injured, and there was less chance of them being hit because the motorist would have more of chance to avoid a crash.
"Zero tolerance for speeding offences, and lowering operating speeds, will improve safety for all road users -- not just cyclists," Ms FitzSimons said.
National road policing manager Superintendent Paula Rose said police would be out in force from tomorrow to enforce the tough new stance.
"The speed limit is just that -- the limit," she said.
"We will be enforcing a 'no excuses' policy towards all individuals who break the speed limit this weekend."
The Queen's Birthday road toll period will run from 4pm tomorrow until 6am on Tuesday.
