The area is at the end of the motorway extension when it steps down to a standard two-lane highway. File picture. Photo: Supplied / NZTA
Three mayors in Waikato have written to the Prime Minister and senior government ministers calling for urgent safety measures to be implemented after a series of fatal crashes south of Hamilton.
In a letter just released, the mayors of Waipa, Hamilton and Waikato District said State Highway 1 had "an intolerable record of death and destruction".
"Far, far too many people have lost their lives on this portion of State Highway 1 and far too many have been injured. The road has an intolerable record of death and destruction. It is shameful," the letter states.
The mayors have called for urgent safety measures like more safety posts, rumble strips, reduced speed limits, speed cameras, better signs and pavement markings.
Their public stand comes after a fatal crash yesterday between Cambridge and Piarere. Two weeks ago, two others lost their lives on the same bend, including an ambulance officer.
The letter said: "Once again, our wider Waikato community has been torn apart by yet another fatal crash on State Highway 1, south of Cambridge."
They said Waka Kotahi should be ordered to investigate the strip of road immediately.
The area is at the end of the motorway extension when it steps down to a standard two-lane highway.