Maximum speed measured in Nikao according to recent data from Infrastructure Cook Islands (ICI) is 134km/hour – close to three times the speed limit in the area.

The data collected has been done through the traffic counters that ICI has placed in Nikao as well as in Tupapa.

ICI Secretary Elizabeth Wright-Koteka said data showed that in Nikao, peak hours have been between 8am-9am with 400 to 500 vehicles on a daily basis and 3pm- 4 pm, with 300 to 400 vehicles.

“This corresponds with travel to and from work, and also to and from Tereora College.  Maximum speed measured in the area was 134km/hr with the average speed being 40km/hr.”

She said the counter was moved from Nikao two weeks ago.

For Tupapa, wright-Koteka said data showed approximately 12,000 vehicles cross the traffic counter which has been placed in Tupapa during peak hours of traffic.

She said the traffic counters inform ICI how many vehicles are using that stretch of road at any given time and the speed at which they travel. 

“In Tupapa, as expected peak hours of traffic are between 8-9am and 4-5pm. From data collected there are approximately 12,000 vehicles that cross the counter on a daily basis. 

“The maximum speed measured to date has been 77km/hr, with the average speed being 33.3 km/hr,” she said.

The counting device for collecting data comprises two black pneumatic tubes placed across the road, connected to a steel box.

Data collected from this equipment will assist ICI with determining road improvements, maintenance, and future planning.

She added that ICI uses this information to better understand the behaviour of road users which is used to inform and anticipate ICI’s road design and construction, as well as maintenance programmes.