We are proposing to change the speed limit in central Woolston from 50 km/h to 30 km/h, and slow traffic to 40 km/h on the side streets, to support upcoming changes to Woolston Village that will make it more attractive to visit and safer for everyone,
Project status: Decision made
Open for feedback: 17 June 2019 to 8 July 2019
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September 2019 - Proposal approved
At their meeting on 12 September 2019, the Council decided to confirm the Waikaura/Linwood-Central-Heathcote Community Board’s recommendation to approve the staff proposal for Safer Speeds in Woolston.
There were no changes to the proposal following community feedback, but we are doing more investigation in response to concerns raised about pedestrian access and safety.
August 2019
Consultation on the Safer speeds in Woolston proposal has now closed and we received feedback from 74 individuals and groups. You can find out more here:
Feedback on the proposal [PDF, 386 KB]
Summary of consultation [PDF, 49 KB]
Key issues and project team response [PDF, 15 KB]
The plan for Council approval [PDF, 534 KB]
We planned to trial the 30 km/h change, but a nationwide NZTA review has confirmed the need for Council to consult with the community about permanent speed limit reduction. NZTA speed management guidelines also recommend slowing traffic to 40 km/h on residential side roads.
Concept drawing of Ferry Road Woolston Village improvements
Why review the speed limits?
We want to make Christchurch roads as safe as possible so we are reviewing speed limits across the city’s road network where there are concerns they are not safe or appropriate.
Lowering the speed limit to 30 km/h through central Woolston is expected to
- help make the village safer for all road users and pedestrians
- make drivers aware they are entering a village environment
40 km/h on the side roads is being introduced to improve safety on roads where people live.
Community input so far
Following consultation feedback, the proposed 30km/h area on Ferry Road now ends just beyond St Anne’s School. A 40 km/h section on St Johns Street including Stacey Place will also help make it safer for people to cross the road, including those in nearby retirement housing.
Setting speed limits
The Christchurch City Council's Traffic and Parking Bylaw 2017 allows Council to set and change speed limits on roads within Christchurch in accordance with the Speed Management guide(external link) and the Land Transport Rule: Setting of Speed Limits 2017(external link). Consultation is required as part of this process.
The decision-making process
The Linwood-Central-Heathcote Community Board will consider all comments on the plan and hear from those who ask to speak at the meeting. They will then make a recommendation to Council, who will decide whether to approve the changes. We will keep submitters informed.
Additional information
You may also be interested in these supporting documents - Safer Journeys (New Zealand Road Safety Strategy 2010 - 2020)(external link), and the Ministry of Transport's Speed Crash Facts(external link)
We are also proposing safer speeds in Sumner
Information sessions
Come talk to the team on Monday 24 June 2019 from 12noon to 1.00pm at the Woolston Library Hall.