18 Sep 2023

Share this story

“We want everyone to get where they are going safely, regardless of how they are travelling. Having safe speeds is part of our solution to a safer network.”

That’s the vision statement of the Christchurch City Council’s Draft Safer Speed Plan, which is out for public feedback from today.  

The plan sets “safe and appropriate speed limits” for all streets and roads in the district. These speed limits have been guided by new Waka Kotahi rules, which direct all Councils to prepare a long-term speed management plan. 

Over the duration of the Council’s 10-year plan, it is proposed that urban streets will be 10km/h in shared spaces, 20km/h in settlements along the coastline such as Rāpaki, local residential streets, outside schools and marae will be 30km/h, busier main streets will become 40km/h and streets that connect people to key destinations like Memorial Avenue, Aldwins Road, Linwood Avenue and Blenheim Road will be 50km/h.  

Rural roads will be 60km/h and 80km/h.  

“Improving safety on our roads is a key priority for the Council, and the evidence shows safer speeds save lives,” Transport Operations Manager Stephen Wright says.  

We’re lowering speed limits from 50km/h to 30km/h around schools in the Richmond area.

These are the first of the speed limit changes that were approved in the Safe Speed Neighbourhoods interim plan in June this year.

The next phase of changes will take place across Banks Peninsula in October and Linwood, Bromley, Woolston and Opawa in November.

“If a pedestrian is hit by a car travelling at 50km/h, there is only a 20% chance they will survive. At 30km/h, the survival rate increases significantly to 90%.” 

Feedback on the plan will inform the steps the Council takes to make roads across Christchurch and Banks Peninsula safer over the coming decade.   

It comes after the Council approved the Interim Speed Management Plan in July, which focussed on lowering speeds around schools, some neighbourhood streets, new subdivisions and some roads on Banks Peninsula.  

“The vision and principles of the Draft Safer Speed Plan have been informed by residents’ feedback on our interim plan. This latest consultation is an opportunity for people to let us know if they have anything else they want us to consider,” Mr Wright says.  

“Slower speeds help everybody to feel safer and more welcome when travelling our streets, including people who are walking and cycling. Whether you’re visiting whānau and friends, letting tamariki walk, scooter or bike to school, or driving to work or home again, you should be able to do it safely." 

The draft plan was developed with the support of with Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency, Te Mana Ora (Community and Public Health), Hato Hone St John, Fire and Emergency NZ, Environment Canterbury and NZ Police. 

Share your views on the Draft Safer Speed Plan at Safer speeds plan | Kōrero mai | Let’s talk (ccc.govt.nz). Tell us what you think by Wednesday 25 October 2023.