Safe System approach to lower speeds for Christchurch’s east

People are being asked to share their views on a proposed Speed Management Plan to improve safety on roads in Marshland, Spencerville and Kainga.

The proposed plan targets lower speeds on the city’s key eastern routes, including Marshland Road.

It is now open for public feedback on the Council's Have Your Say page.

A Speed Management Plan is proposed for the city's east.

Four people died and 28 people were seriously injured in road accidents in the area between 2013 and 2017, while 77 people suffered minor injuries.

There were 155 non-injury crashes in the same period.

Under the plan, a proposed lower limit – dropping from 80km/h or 70km/h to 60km/h – will be supported by intersection signage and more road markings and centre line reflectors.

Christchurch City Council Transport Operations Manager Steffan Thomas says the proposed plan targeting high-risk areas follows the “Safe System” approach.

“Improving the overall safety of the transport network is a major focus for the Council,” he says.

“A Safe System recognises that people make mistakes and are vulnerable in road accidents. It aims to improve the safety of all parts of the system – roads and roadsides, speeds, vehicles, and road use – so that if one area fails, others can provide protection.

“International evidence shows that an effective approach to reducing deaths and serious injuries is to set safe and appropriate speed limits. Speed can decide who lives or dies. The higher the speed, the worse the impact.”

He says that Speed Management recognises the different degrees of risk on city roads.

“Of course, any drop in the travelling speed can significantly lift the crash survival rate,” Mr Thomas says

The plan covers Marshland Road from south of Queen Elizabeth II Drive to north of the Waimakariri Bridge, Spencerville Road and Kainga Road, along with local roads west of Marshland Road.

It includes improved signage at Spencerville Road intersections with Turners Road and Farrells Road.

“We also want to ensure that any changes work in tandem with the new intersection and planned improvements for Mairehau Road and the opening of the Christchurch Northern Motorway,” Mr Thomas says.

Consultation on the Speed Management Plan closes on Tuesday, 2 July.

A final decision on any changes will be made by the Council following recommendations from the Coastal-Burwood and the Papanui-Innes Community Boards after consideration of a staff report.