Lower speed limit for Avondale streets

Speed limits will be reduced on 20 streets in the Avondale area to create a slow speed neighbourhood and a safer environment for residents.

On the recommendation of the Waitai Coastal-Burwood Community Board, Christchurch City Council has agreed to reduce the speed limit from 50km/h to 40km/h on all roads bounded by Anzac Drive, Wainoni Road, Hulverstone Drive, Avondale Road and Breezes Road.

The move follows consultation with residents last year and a history of community complaints about vehicles travelling too fast through the area.

“Improving safety on local roads in Christchurch is a priority for Council. Everyone should be able to get where they’re going safely whether they’re walking, cycling, driving, motorcycling or using public transport,’’ says Christchurch City Council Transport Operations Manager Stephen Wright.

“New Zealand’s Road to Zero road safety strategy sets an initial target of reducing deaths and serious injuries on the country’s roads, streets and footpaths by 40 per cent over the next 10 years. There are several focus areas being looked at nationally to achieve this, but where significant difference can be made is through having safe and appropriate speeds on Christchurch roads,’’ Mr Wright says.

“We have heard from Avondale residents that the current 50km/h speed limit is not safe or appropriate for the area and that they generally travel well below the limit for safety reasons.

The consultation process also highlighted issues around antisocial driver behaviour. Staff are currently working on proposals that would seek to introduce physical changes to inhibit and deter this type of driver behaviour in future.

“Introducing a lower speed limit will help to reinforce this safer driving behaviour and help those unfamiliar with the area understand the safe and appropriate speed,’’ Mr Wright says.

“It should also make it easier and safer for people to walk and cycle around the neighbourhood.’’