Lower speed limits proposed for around Waimakariri schools

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Northern Outlook

By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter

Waimakariri motorists are set to be asked to slow down around schools.
The Waimakariri District Council will seek feedback on proposed new speed limits of 30kph around local schools.

Councillors approved the draft Waimakariri speed management plan 2023-27 for consultation after engaging with the district’s four community boards.

Mayor Dan Gordon said speed reductions were also proposed for "known trouble spots".

"Safety around our schools is a high priority.

"We also want to ensure speed limits at known trouble spots are safe and appropriate for current and future use."

Variable speed limits with signage were also being considered at high risk rural intersections.

Gordon said the proposed changes were intended to provide consistency with speeds on surrounding roads and where there was increased traffic.

The Setting of Speed Limits Rule 2022, which came into effect in May last year, required councils to develop a speed management plan every three years based on Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency safe speed guidelines.

The council planned to conduct a broader review of speed limits across the district next year, Mr Gordon said.

"We will see where the new government is at.

"We have heard from both the prime minister and the Opposition leader that they are not as ambitious around speed limits as Waka Kotahi."

He said the speed limit on Oxford’s Main St will also be reconsidered next year.

Oxford residents have lobbied for several years for the speed limit on Main St to be reduced from 50kph to 40kph, but this has failed to attract council support.

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