In a move aimed at improving road safety in town, the speed limit in Avarua has been reduced from 50kph to 30kph.

This decision comes in response to increasing concerns about traffic accidents and pedestrian safety in the area, particularly the Punanga Nui Market stretch on a Saturday morning.

The 30 km/h zone applies from the Avarua Roundabout to the Avatiu Roundabout for both the Ara Tapu Road (inside lane) and the Maire Nui Drive (seaside lane).

William Taripo, Punanga Nui Market manager, said “we would like people to know that the whole stretch in town is now a 30 km per hour area right through, for better safety for everyone.”

Taripo is also concerned for market customers on Saturday mornings who do not park in the areas assigned for parking.

“We would like to remind our customers that extra parking is designated on the seaside of the market area, there are traffic wardens as well to help coordinate the parking. However, be mindful of the construction that is going on during the week in this area,” he said. Reducing the speed limit in town is a joint venture between Infrastructure Cook Islands (ICI), Cook Islands Police, Ministry of Transport, and the Cook Islands Investment corporation (CIIC), to improve road safety in these areas.