Improving road safety in Sawmill Road, Riverhead

About the project

We’re making some changes on Sawmill Road to help improve safety in your neighbourhood and make the roads safer for everyone.

We’re responding to concerns from the community and New Zealand Police about street racing and unsafe driving behaviour on Sawmill Road and Timber Place at night.

The Police asked us to look into a long-term solution, and this restriction will give them the ability to enforce safer driving in the area—while having little to no impact on everyday use for local residents and businesses.

The changes we're making by August 2025

• Installing new signs to introduce a Light Motor Vehicle Restriction between 10pm and 4am on Sawmill Road.
• This means cars and other light vehicles under 3500kgs (like 2WDs) won't be allowed to use this road during those hours.
• The restriction doesn't apply to vehicles such as emergency services, rubbish trucks, or mini trucks.

Benefits to your community

• This change is part of our wider goal to reduce harm on our roads and create safer spaces for people walking, biking, driving and living nearby.
• It's especially important for the safety of our tamariki (children), kaumātua(elders), and whānau who travel through or live in this area.
• We're committed to working with the Riverhead community to keep your neighbourhood safe, peaceful, and connected.

What happens next

How to contact us

Share your thoughts with us via email by 23 July 2025 at ATEngagement@at.govt.nz

Please mention Sawmill Road, Riverhead in the subject line.