Banks Peninsula speed limit review

Consultation on the Banks Peninsula speed limit review was open from 28 January to 25 February 2021. We received 222 submissions.

Key themes

• More policing of existing and any new speed limits.
• Improved road quality across the area.
• Those not in support of speed limit changes felt that it would be a waste of money and that people would not adhere to the new speed limits.

Changes to the proposal

We investigated four locations in further in detail, and from these, we are changing two of them.

Investigated – not changing

• Simeon Quay, Brittan Terrace & Park Terrace: Some of the feedback wanted this section of Lyttelton to remain at 50km/h. Under further investigation, we found that there are a significant amount of intersections and hazards along this route which include narrow and/or changing lane widths, vehicles parking on footpaths, cyclists, and restricted sightlines- in particular from vehicle crossings. From this, we will continue to recommend lowering this section to 40km/h.
• Marine Drive at the 45km/h bends: Some of the feedback wanted this section of Marine Drive to reduce in speed from the current 50 km/h and 60 km/h speed limits. We propose to extend the 50 km/h area to take the existing speed limit change point (position of the speed limit signs) away from the bends. This is to support the existing pedestrian activity on the road shoulders and support the anticipated pedestrian activity resulting from the Head To Head Walkway project. The issue with extending it past Orton Bradley Park, Charteris Bay Golf Club and residential properties is the relatively low level of activity at this location. As a result, the current 60 km/h speed limit in this location is still considered appropriate, but we can review it if any conditions change.

Investigated – Changing

• Waipapa Avenue at Stoddart Point: We proposed to set a new 40 km/h speed limit and retain the existing 20 km/h on sections of Waipapa Avenue. From the feedback, we are recommending 30 km/h on all these sections of Waipapa Avenue. This is aimed to better reflect the shared spaces that are currently utilised by all road users. A 30 km/h speed limit is recommended to begin on Waipapa Avenue just above the intersection to the Hall, Library, medical centre and playing fields. This also reduces the number of speed limit change points (position of the speed limit signs) and speed limit signage required.
• Le Lievre Lane: This short and narrow access road is currently signposted at 10km/h. The strong environmental conditions dictate a low operating speed. The posted speed limit is not formalised on our records, and as a result, the legal speed limit is 50 km/h. Given the desire to rationalise speed limits wherever possible and reduce the number of signs, we recommend that Le Lievre Lane be formalised within the broader proposed 40km/h area for Akaroa. 

Submissions [PDF, 3.9 MB]

New proposed speeds map(external link)

Meeting details

A staff report to the Te Pātaka o Rākaihautū/Banks Peninsula Community Board to recommend to Council to approve the Banks Peninsula Area speed limit changes will be presented:

Date:    Monday 28 June

Time:   10am

Venue: Lyttelton Community Boardroom, 25 Canterbury Street, Lyttelton

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 24 June online at christchurch.infocouncil.biz.

The decision will be recorded in the meeting minutes, these are available online three working days after the meeting.

Details of the proposed speed limit changes can be found in either the drop-down, list of areas, or in the interactive map below

Lyttelton

We're making changes so it's safer for everyone to get around Lyttelton. We’re lowering the speed limit from 50 km/h to 40 km/h around the Lyttelton area. The new speed limit applies between Cass Bay and Sumner Road. It excludes Norwich Quay and Gladstone Quay (SH74) which are controlled by Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency.

Akaroa

We’re lowering the speed limit from 50 km/h to 40 km/h around the Akaroa area. We’re lowering the speed limit from 50 km/h to 40 km/h
in Akaroa Township. The new speed limit applies between Old Coach Road and Lighthouse Road. It excludes SH75 which is controlled by Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency, and existing 10 km/h, 20 km/h and 30 km/h speed limits within Akaroa.

Waipapa Avenue

We’re proposing a 40 km/h speed limit on Waipapa Avenue in Diamond Harbour to improve safety for users of the road. The 20 km/h sections will remain.

Rural roads

We’re lowering speed limits to improve safety on many of the rural roads in the area. Many of the roads are being reduced from 100 km/h to 60 km/h to reflect the local road conditions.

Below are the areas of the speed review in Akaroa and Lyttelton

Lyttelton, Corsair Bay and Cass Bay speed review area

Akaroa speed review area