Knights Stream Park and Longhurst area speed limit change

We are proposing a blanket 40 km/h speed limit in Knights Stream Park, Longhurst and John Paterson Drive.

Council approval for 40 km/h speed limit 

At its meeting on 6 December 2018, the City Council approved the proposed 40 km/h speed limit in Knights Stream Park, Longhurst and John Paterson Drive.  A copy of the minutes is available online at christchurch.infocouncil.biz(external link)

 The  Waipuna/Halswell-Hornby-Riccarton Community Board had recommended the speed limit reduction at its meeting on Tuesday 13 November 2018.

 The 40 km/h speed limit will come into force on 31 January 2019.

Update: 2 November 2018 

We received 88 submissions during the consultation period from 2-24 October 2018. Fifty seven (65%) were in support of the proposed speed limit change, two partially or conditionally supported it, and 29 (33%) opposed it.

Table of submissions [PDF, 55 KB]

Consultation summary [PDF, 9 KB]

  Key topics raised were:

• Is the speed limit appropriate for the environment?
• Speed limits around schools are important
• Speed limits must be enforced.

The staff recommendation is that the Waipuna/Halswell-Hornby-Riccarton Community Board recommend that Council approve a 40 km/h speed limit in Knights Stream Park, Longhurst and John Paterson Drive.

Meeting details and decision making process

A staff report will be presented to the Community Board on Tuesday 13 November at 4.30pm. The meeting is in the Boardroom, Fendalton Service Centre, Corner Jeffreys and Clyde Roads, Fendalton    

 This is a public meeting and everyone is welcome.  

You can read the meeting agenda, including the staff report and any additional information, from Thursday 8 November 2018, online at christchurch.infocouncil.biz(external link).

The Board’s recommendation is then expected to be considered by the Council on Thursday 6 December 2018.

Project timeframes

If the report is approved by Council we expect that the proposed 40 km/h speed limit will be implemented in January, before the start of the school year.

Why a lower speed limit?

These residential areas include Seven Oaks School, Knights Stream School (opening at the beginning of the school year), two early learning centres, playgrounds, parks and reserves.

Currently there are no School Speed Zones for the two schools. The proposed 40 km/h speed limit would improve safety outside both schools, as well as provide a safer environment for children playing in surrounding parks.  While Seven Oaks School pupils generally come from all over the city, Knights Stream School is a local school and more  young families will be regularly walking in the area.

Change to suit road widths

Streets in the area are usually between 9 and 10 metres wide. The proposed 40 km/h limit is considered a safe speed in this road environment. Many drivers are already travelling at the proposed speed, and a 40 km/h speed limit would indicate appropriate speeds for motorists travelling in the area. 

 Changing speed limits

The Council’s new Traffic and Parking Bylaw 2017 (effective from March 2018) allows the Council to set and change speed limits on roads in Christchurch in accordance with the Land Transport Rule Setting Speed Limits 2017. Consultation is required as part of this process.

Timeline

5pm Wednesday 24 October - Consultation closes 
13 November 2018 - Decision by Halswell Hornby Riccarton Community Board 
6 December 2018 - Council decision