Clyde's first speed hump has drawn some criticism but is having the desired effect in reducing speeds in the town's commercial centre.
Next week, the Vincent Community Board will consider a report on alternative options to slow traffic in the commercial area on Sunderland St between Naylor and Holloway Sts.
The speed hump was installed at the northern end of Sunderland St in December after the board took note of concerns raised by residents, business owners and the police about motorists travelling too fast.
Central Otago District Council roading engineer Peter Cuthbertson said no further consultation was undertaken with residents and businesses in the area before the speed hump was installed.
"The residents next door to the hump ... are dissatisfied with the location due to the visually intrusive nature of the hump, and the noise from vehicles slowing, accelerating and crossing the hump," he said in a report to the board.
Because of the complaints, noise monitoring was carried out at night, measured at two locations, one next to the hump and another a block away at the next intersection. The monitoring revealed the noise of vehicles braking or accelerating some distance from the hump could have more of an effect than the noise of the vehicles crossing the hump, he said.
Favourable reports had been received from the "wider community" on the positive effect of the hump in reducing speeds, and improving safety, Mr Cuthbertson said.
Traffic speed recordings confirmed this. At the north end of the commercial area, the proportion of vehicles travelling under 30kmh had gone from 7% (before the hump was constructed) to 64 % afterwards. At the southern end, the proportion travelling under 30kmh went from 73% to 84%.
He recommended a permanent speed limit of 30kmh on Sunderland St between Holloway and Naylor Sts be included in the next council speed limit bylaw review, in December.
Because of concerns about the height of the hump, the top should be flattened, Mr Cuthbertson said.
Council and New Zealand Transport Agency funding was used for the structure and if it was removed an alternative would be needed to slow traffic.
He recommended the hump should stay and a centre "blister" island also be considered.
The Clyde community should be consulted before any further "traffic calming" measures were introduced, he said.
