Abstract
This paper reviews the first year's operation of the 50 m.p.h. speed limit on New Zealand's roads. The limit was introduced on 4 December 1973 as part of the government's fuel conservation measures and was followed by a dramatic reduction in operating speeds of 1- 10 m.p.h. Since that time speeds have gradually increased again but over the last few months have tended to stabilize at about 2-5 m.p.h. below pre-crisis levels. The reduced operating speeds made a substantial contribution to the reduction in accidents and casualties that was recorded for 1974.