Proposed reductions in speed limits across swathes of Dunedin and its rural surrounds are not a fait accompli, city councillors say.
They have urged people to have their say in next month’s consultation process so their thoughts can be considered alongside guidance from Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency.
"Tell your friends, tell your neighbours," Cr Andrew Whiley said at a council meeting yesterday.
"Don’t tell me [what you think]. Make a submission."
Hearing panel chairman Cr Jim O’Malley said the committee had in the past pushed back against Waka Kotahi guidance in some cases and people should have some faith in the consultation process delivering considered results.
The draft speed management proposal for 2024-27 approved for public consultation would result in widespread reductions in speed limits to 30kmh in areas such as St Clair, St Kilda, City Rise and North East Valley.
All rural roads that are the responsibility of the Dunedin City Council and which have 100kmh limits could be reduced to 80kmh or, if they are unsealed, 60kmh.
The proposal was largely based on advice from the transport agency.
In areas where speed limits were changed in 2020, road deaths decreased by 30%, compared with a 9% increase on roads where speed limits were not changed.
"It doesn’t get clearer than that," Cr Walker said.
Reducing speed limits had not been shown to make a significant difference to journey times in urban areas, as they were affected by such things as stopping at traffic lights and pedestrian crossings, he said.
Reductions followed international best practice, he said.
Cr Christine Garey said reduction to a 40kmh limit in Portobello Rd had been contentious, but she noted an absence of crashes there since.
She was willing to be "slightly inconvenienced" for the greater good.
Cr Cherry Lucas said a 60kmh limit seemed logical for unsealed roads, but she expected bringing in the proposed limits would double the time for her to get into town.
Cr Lee Vandervis said the proposed changes were onerous and dramatic.
They would "simply make more Dunedin people break the law".
There should be a shift in emphasis to punish drivers impaired by drugs or alcohol, he said.
Cr David Benson-Pope said some of the recommended limits reflected the "practical operational speed of the road now".
Deputy mayor Sophie Barker said people knew their areas well and she encouraged them to evaluate their driving speeds against what was proposed.
Cr O’Malley said there was chronic under-investment in New Zealand transport infrastructure.
When there was under-investment, reducing speeds was sometimes "the only tool left" for making roads safer.
Cr Carmen Houlahan was unable to be at the meeting because of illness, but said she would not endorse "blanket" lowering of speed limits.
"I do support lowering speed limits near schools," Cr Houlahan said.
"However, I do not support Waka Kotahi pushing this on councils. I believe it is extreme."
