Speed limits are changing in the Yaldhurst area after consultation conducted jointly by the NZ Transport Agency and Christchurch City Council.

“The speed limits on Yaldhurst roads have been the subject of ongoing community calls for reductions, particularly with the significant development in the area which has generated more pedestrian and cycling activity alongside traffic,” says NZTA director regional relationships Jim Harland.

NZTA‘s speed review proposed slower speed limits for SH73 on the western urban periphery of Christchurch, extending west through Yaldhurst township. The existing speed limits were 80kph and 100kph, with 70kph through Yaldhurst town centre. The technical assessment conducted by the NZTA supports reductions to 60kph through the urban fringe and Yaldhurst town centre with a reduction to 80kph to the west of Yaldhurst, while the intervening rural section east of Yaldhurst is to remain at 80kph.

The setting of the permanent speed limits follows engagement with the police, the NZ Automobile Association, and the Road Transport Forum, as well as consultation with the public.

“The feedback we received provided good support for speed reductions in the area and did not identify any particular further issues that we were not aware of,” says Harland. “Some people did, however, call for lower speeds and to extend the lower speed zones further west of Yaldhurst, which we may consider in the future.

“The increase in traffic and subsequent crashes, along with the commercial development and the many driveways off the highway, means 60 and 80 kilometres per hour limits are safe and appropriate speeds for this area.”

Christchurch City Council consulted on the speed limits for sections of Ryans, Pound, Hasketts and School Roads. The speed limits for these roads are being reduced from 70kph or 80kph to 60kph. Sections of Ryans, Hasketts and School Roads have already been implemented. Remaining changes on Ryans and Pound Roads will be coordinated with changes to SH73.

“Improving the safety of the road network is a critical issue for the council. These changes will reduce speeds at approaches to high risk intersections and maintain consistency of speed limits across the joint road network,” says Richard Osborne, head of transport at Christchurch City Council.

The following new permanent speed limits came into effect 4 December: