Council’s Speed Limit Bylaw Proposal Changes

A revised Proposal for the Speed Limit Bylaw is to be considered during an extra-ordinary meeting of the Community Wellbeing Committee on 17 June 2013.

The revised proposal will seek approval for the introduction of variable speed limits around schools, reduction of speed limits in the City centre and the Review of Speed Limits within the City boundary including boundary change areas Longburn and Bunnythorpe.

If approved, public consultation will commence on 24 June 2013.

“Speed limits are about ensuring the safety of all city residents and visitors,” Mayor Jono Naylor said.

“It’s important that people have the opportunity to express their views to Council during this review. Whether people support or object to any aspect of the proposal, it is important we hear so we can make the best decision for the community.”

Road planning team leader David Lane said the variable speed limits will be considered for all city schools, unless they are located on a State Highway. These variable limits would apply when children are arriving or leaving school and would be 40 km/h in urban areas. An implementation plan would be based on funding availability, feedback from the school and community and engineering considerations. Rural schools will be included, though higher speed limits might apply.

The Committee also proposed a permanent reduction in speed within the City centre to 30km per hour streets within the inner business zone. The proposal also includes details on roads within the City boundary that will be considered for a reduction in speed. These include:

·         Turitea Road,
·         Kahuterawa Road
·         Part of Milson Line
·         Kelvin Grove Road,
·         Part of Tutaki Road
·         Part of Stoney Creek Road
·         Walkers Road
·         Longburn

Mr Lane says if the Bylaw is adopted, the Council will then be required to consult with schools, residents and affected businesses on the type of street engineering required in enforcing reduced speed limits.

The cost for the implementation of the Speed Limit Bylaw would need to be provided for in future Annual or Long Term Plans.

Maps showing the areas affected are being developed and will be available as appendices once the Order Paper is finalised.

When approved, the consultation will commence on 24 June 2013 and run until 24 July 2013 with public submissions heard at a later date.

ENDS

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