The speed limits bylaw hearings subcommittee's recent meeting heard from concerned residents of Broad Bay, Portobello, Warrington, Seacliff, Mosgiel and Normanby, about proposed changes in their area.
Following their submissions, councillors Bill Acklin, Neil Collins and Andrew Noone decided to carry out site visits to gain a better understanding of their concerns.
The committee is considering speed reviews, which include limit reductions, increases and alterations of zones, on 47 sections of 35 roads in the greater Dunedin area.
However, a group of Normanby residents believed the proposed speed-limit increase, from 50kmh to 80kmh, on North Rd, Norwood St and Clava St, was "dangerous".
Mel Marshall collected 1200 signatures from a wide variety of Dunedin residents at Forrester Park and believed the road was too narrow for drivers to travel at 80kmh.
Fellow residents Gregory Taigel, Keith Hellyer and Craig South agreed, saying they believed increasing the limit would have an adverse effect on the safety of residents, farmers working in the area, and cyclists using the road.
They pointed out their concerns to the councillors last week and Mr South was impressed to see them taking the issue seriously.
"I've got to take my hat off to the councillors for coming out here," he said.
The councillors also visited Broad Bay and Portobello, as they contained proposed speed-zone changes which were opposed by both the Otago Peninsula Community Board and Broad Bay School.
Cr Acklin said travelling the roads which people were concerned about had "helped put things in perspective" for the subcommittee.
"What's been highlighted by the people in the area really does make sense," he said.
Cr Noone also visited Seacliff and Warrington to better understand residents Alan Pearson and Mike Cowell's safety concerns with the area.
Mr Pearson collected more than 700 signatures in support of reducing the speed limit along Coast Rd to 80kmh, and to 50kmh through Warrington and Seacliff.
The councillors were also considering a proposal by Mosgiel residents to reduce the speed limit on Gordon Rd and Riccarton Rd, to 80kmh and 50kmh respectively.
The subcommittee will meet again tomorrow to decide the recommendations it will make to council.
