They told the committee about confused tourists with inaccurate GPS systems, and an increasing number of pedestrians, cyclists, and traffic on often unsealed roads.
They wanted the speed limit for the peninsula changed from 100kmh to 80kmh, but Camp Rd, in particular, changed from 100kmh to 70kmh, and 50kmh in one area.
The only problem was the hearings committee was unable to make any of those changes.
The unusual situation came about at the Dunedin City Council speed limits hearings committee before Crs Kate Wilson, Neil Collins and Teresa Stevenson.
The three were tasked with dealing with the changes, which, under legislation, must go through a public consultation process after publication and due time for a response.
The review followed another in September last year. At the completion of that review, it was decided other roads, on which there had been submissions but no consultation during the process, would be included in the next review.
That took place yesterday, but there were clearly more roads to go.
Otago Peninsula Community Board member Lox Kellas, the Portobello constable, called for speed limits on all rural roads on the Otago Peninsula to be reduced from 100kmh to 80kmh.
Many drivers were tourists with GPS equipment that was not accurate, driving on unsealed roads with plenty of attractions to view.
The area was growing more popular with cyclists and walkers visiting attractions such as Harbour Cone.
Mr Kellas also called for a reduction to the speed limit in Camp Rd, which leads to Larnach Castle.
The road had a 100kmh limit that would be a dangerous speed if drivers attempted it. He suggested 70kmh, and 50kmh closer to the gates of Larnach Castle, where it was essentially a one-way road.
Christine Garey, who works at Larnach Castle, said she agreed with Mr Kellas' views of the speed limits.
She told the hearing of tourists getting lost and stopping in the middle of Camp Rd.
"A tragedy is just waiting to happen, to be honest.
"The last thing we need is a headline saying a group of tourists has been killed."
Ms Garey is also a community board member, but said she was not appearing as such.
Norcombe Barker, Larnach Castle director, told the hearing of regular crashes on the peninsula, and his frustrations dealing with the council.
He also said by counting all visitor and staff trips to and from the castle he had calculated there were about 60,000 trips a year on Camp Rd.
He realised the hearing could not make a decision on the issue, because the road was not included in the bylaw review, but he asked for a "realistic review" of the issue.
On other speed limit changes, Cherry Lucas said there was "no logic" in a plan to lower speeds on School Rd, North Taieri, from 100kmh to 80kmh, and her views were backed up by Barry Barbour.
Both said there was no reason to reduce the speed.
Cr Wilson said last night the council might have to look at its procedures, after the hearing. It was possible the council did not communicate sufficiently with the community.
She said after the concerns raised about the peninsula, there might have to be an urgent review of the matter.
Proposed changes
School Rd: 100kmh to 80kmh
Soper Rd: 70kmh to 50kmh
White Hart Lane: 70kmh to 50kmh
Gladstone Rd Nth: 70kmh to 50kmh
Irwin Logan Dr: 70kmh to 50kmh
Gladstone Rd Sth: 70kmh to 50kmh
Elizabeth Ave: 70kmh to 50kmh
Jaffray Dr: 70kmh to 50kmh
Townsleys Rd: 50kmh to 80kmh
Boundary Rd: 50kmh to 80kmh
Reservoir Rd: 50kmh to 80kmh
Portobello Rd: Extension of 50kmh zone near Portobello
SH88 realignment: Institute 70kmh zone
Aramoana Rd: 70kmh to 50kmh near Pari St
Purakanui Rd: 100kmh to 80kmh
Coast Rd, Warrington: 80kmh to 70kmh west of Perry St
Coast Rd, Warrington: 70kmh to 50kmh near Reservoir Rd
