Driver safety and a need for consistent speed limits are behind a review of limits on up to 50 Dunedin roads later this year.
Dunedin City Council senior traffic engineer Bruce Conaghan said speed limits could be reduced on the majority of roads surveyed, with very few limits increased.
Most roads identified for review were rural routes in Dunedin city, some with open road (100kmh) designations, despite being winding or unsealed.
These roads could become restricted zones or 80kmh areas.
"It's a timely review to make sure [speed limits] are appropriate for the environment and traffic volume.
The [open road] speed limit on many urban and rural roads is not a target, [but] unfortunately lots of people see it as this, putting themselves and others in danger."
Portobello Rd down Otago Peninsula would be reviewed for speed limit consistency, and a lower limit between 70kmh and 80kmh - and 50km near settlements - could be appropriate, Mr Conaghan said.
Similarly, on Brighton Rd, speed limits varied between 50kmh and 100kmh, and measures to ensure drivers knew which zone they were in, or continuity in speed zoning, would be evaluated to avoid confusion.
High volume urban roads such as Kaikorai Valley Rd and Main South Rd would also be reviewed, because nearby developments had boosted traffic flow.
Council staff would consider a variety of factors, including crash statistics, vehicle volumes and roadside activity such as building developments - both industrial and residential - when reviewing speed limits.
The review would begin in mid-November and the council would consult the public early next year.
Mr Conaghan said a key factor in raising or lowering speed limits was finding levels which drivers found reasonable.
"If limits are set which are considered reasonable by users, the speeds will be self-moderating."
