Motorists will now be able to travel up to 110km/h per hour on some of New Zealand's key expressways.
Associate Transport Minister Tim Macindoe said today higher speed limits would initially be rolled out to the Tauranga Eastern Link, and parts of the Waikato Expressway.
Roads now under construction, including the Kapiti Expressway and the southern section of the Christchurch Motorway, would be considered in future.
The new speed limit would be in effect on roads that met the criteria by the end of the year.
Macindoe said the Government was focused on making roads safer and cutting travel times.
"With our initial seven Roads of National Significance - with enhanced safety features - either complete or under construction, we can begin rolling out faster speed limits in certain areas," he said.
"This will allow New Zealanders to get to where they need to be faster."
The 110km/h speed limit would only apply to roads built to a standard where the higher limit was safe and appropriate, he said.
"This includes having at least two lanes in each direction, a median barrier, no significant curves and no direct access to neighbouring properties.
"Our new Roads of National Significance are our safest roads - with no fatalities to date.
"This change strikes the right balance between ensuring the safety of road users and faster travel times for our motorists and freight."
It is expected the next generation of roads of national significance will qualify.
The roads that will be considered include:
- Waikato Expressway: Longswamp, Rangiriri, Huntly, Hamilton, Cambridge, Ohinewai, Ngaruawahia, Te Rapa, Pokeno to Hampton Downs.
- Tauranga Eastern Link
- Upper Harbour motorway
- Northern motorway (Johnstones Hill tunnels to Lonely Tracks)
- Southern motorway (Bombay to Takanini)
- Kapiti Expressway (Mackay's to Peka Peka)
-NZ Herald