1 Jul 2024

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Christchurch City Council will consider giving feedback on plans to change speed setting rules.

At the Wednesday 3 July meeting, Councillors will consider a report on making a submission on the Government’s draft Land Transport Rule: Setting of Speed Limits Rule 2024.

Read the report and the draft submission here.

The Minister of Transport is currently consulting on a new rule which sets out the criteria, requirements, and procedures for Road Controlling Authorities – like the Christchurch City Council - when setting speed limits.

Proposed changes include an increase in speed limits for most roading classes, the reversal of some speed limit reductions made after 1 January 2020, the introduction of variable speed limits outside schools and changes to requirements in optional Speed Management Plans.

“The submission welcomes some of the proposals presented in the proposed Rule change, such as aligning NZTA Waka Kotahi’s consultation requirements for changes on the state highway network with those of Councils,” the report says.

“However, an overarching concern identified relates to the implications that these proposed changes have for reducing the Council’s ability to work with out communities to tailor speeds to the local roading environment and meet community needs.”

“A particular issue for the Council is the potential for un-winding changes that have been made to date with strong community support,” it says.

Councillors were able to provide feedback on the draft submission at a drop-in session.

Other concerns raised in the submission include highlighting a greater need for flexibility in setting speeds around schools, the board urban classification that does not allow for differentiation of the full range of urban street types, additional compliance and unplanned costs, and a challenging implementation timeline.

To request a deputation at the 3 July meeting, contact Katie Matheis, Democratic Services Advisor, at CouncilSupportSSO@ccc.govt.nz or 03 941 5643.