Changes to speed limits proposed on some Christchurch roads

26 September 2006

The Council is looking for feedback on proposals to change speed limits on a number of roads around Christchurch.

The brakes are going on in some areas while in others increases in speeds are proposed to ensure more even traffic flow.

The growing number of subdivisions and changes in the use of Christchurch roads meant there is a need to review speed limits, especially on roads at the edges of the city, says Christchurch City Council engineer Malcolm Taylor.

“More use is being made of 60km/h and 80km/h speed limits to reflect this changing road environment,’’ he says. “We are looking at these 16 specific areas as part of the Council’s drive to ensure speed limits promote traffic and pedestrian safety.’’

Speed decreases include sections of Burwood Road, Gardiners Road, Jones Road, Innes Road, Hayton and Wigram roads, New Brighton Mall, Oxford Terrace, Quaifes Road, Old Taitapu and Early Valley roads, Foremans Road and Springs Road.

Speed limits on the Blenheim Road deviation,  Riccarton Avenue, Deans Avenue between Riccarton Avenue and Harper Avenue, and Harper Avenue from Deans Avenue to Park Terrace could be lifted from 50pm/h to 60km/h.

“This is to clarify the arterial nature of these roads some of which are four-lane median-divided roads,’’ says Mr Taylor. This will ensure that traffic flows more evenly on these routes where there are very few houses connecting to the roads.’’

An information pamphlet explaining the exact location of the changes and reasons for them is to be distributed to the affected communities and to other stakeholder organisations. These will also be available at Council service centres and libraries.

Submissions agreeing with or opposing the proposed changes can also be made on the Council’s website at: http://www.ccc.govt.nz/Environment/SpeedRegister/ProposedNewSpeedLimits/

Feedback and submissions close at 5pm on 27 October. Collated responses will be reported back to the Council in November. Speed signs in areas where changes have been accepted are expected to be erected in early December.

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