Following the government’s new setting of speed limits rule 2024, which came into effect on October 30 last year, NZ Transport Agency has opened public consultation on reversing speed limits for certain roads.
One of those is the 80kmh section of SH1 that crosses the Waitaki and Waimate districts’ border.
The 2.8km stretch begins just south of Waitaki Bridge Village and ends at the 60kmh restriction at the edge of Glenavy.
Under the new rule, NZTA is required to reverse the speed limits on this section unless there is public support to retain it.
The speed limit was lowered to 80kmh in September 2020 after the community demanded it be dropped from 100kmh.
A Waitaki Bridge Village resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said it was disappointing the change was being considered.
"This speed limit change was community driven from the very beginning.
"It was fantastic that the community had managed to see that change happen and it just seems that it’s now become a political issue rather than an actual safety issue."
The reduced speed limit made the area much safer, they said.
"We’ve got school buses that turn off the main road on to side roads and the worst would be McPherson Rd, where the bus has to cross the main road on a near blind corner and with traffic going 100kmh, it was just so dangerous.
"Now, with the speed limit reduction, it’s a lot safer. It just gives you those couple more seconds to be able to get across the road safely."
The resident said there were "mixed feelings" among others living in the village.
"I would say the majority believe that the lower speed limit is better for the community.
"A lot of the members of the community have put in submissions already and have followed that process to encourage NZTA to keep the speed limit at 80kmh.
"I haven’t heard anybody put in a submission to raise the speed limit, as yet, but I’m sure that has been."
Waitaki District Mayor Gary Kircher was still on the fence about the speed limit.
"I don’t have too much opinion on it.
"For us, it’s really just about being supportive of what the community wants.
However, the intersections in Waitaki Bridge Valley were a "challenging piece of road" and the 100kmh speed limit "certainly was dangerous".
"It’s hopefully proven that the lower speed limit has been beneficial.
"Whether it needs to change, I’m not sure."
Submissions can be made through the NZTA website and need to be in by March 13.
