Lower speed limit for Christchurch’s Summit Road

A 60km/h speed limit will be introduced on Summit Road and adjoining side streets.

Christchurch City Council has accepted the recommendations of a Hearings Panel set up to consider public submissions on the Council’s proposal to review the speed limit for safety reasons.

The lower 60km/h speed will cover Summit Road (from Godley Head to Gebbies Pass Road), Evans Pass Road, Sumner Road, Mount Pleasant Road, Broadleaf Lane and Worsleys Road.

A lower speed limit is on the horizon for Summit Road.

Hearings Panel Chairperson Councillor Mike Davidson says road safety concerns and antisocial behaviour in the area have highlighted the need for a lower speed.

“The speed limit change is an effective intervention that helps save lives,” Cr Davidson says.

“The benefits of lower travelling speeds are clearly reflected in crash survival rates.

“There has also been a lot of support for the lower limit from the community, with people speaking at the hearing about the large number of recreational walkers and cyclists who visit the area.

“The new limit may also help address antisocial road user behaviour, including vandalism, fires and littering, and better support recreational use of the area.”

Council Transport Operations Manager Steffan Thomas says the decision aligns with a Safe System approach to road safety.

“A cornerstone of that system is setting appropriate speed limits,” Mr Thomas says.

Summit Road is the main access route to the Port Hills, with residents and visitors enjoying the scenic drive and hill walks.

In total, 251 submissions were received on the speed limit review proposal, with most (179) in favour of the change to 60km/h.

Twenty-three submitters wanted the speed dropped to 50km/h, citing motorists who did not adhere to the limit because Summit Road was a tourist route.