Safer Speeds to be Introduced

Safer speed areas for Waimate have been given the green light and will soon be in place.

The changes are a result of Waimate District Council’s Speed Management Plan, which was approved by the Council last year and now by NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi.

Residents can expect to see new road signs reflecting the new limits erected next week.

Waimate District Council Roading Manager Rob Moffat said the plan prioritises the safety and wellbeing of community members by targeting schools and other high-risk locations.

“These locations were identified through public feedback and supported by research that showed we could implement safer speed limits while maintaining travel journey efficiency,” he said.

“By implementing these changes, we aim to enhance road safety and ensure streets are places where people feel safe to walk, ride, cycle, scoot, and drive.”

The plan was divided into three focus areas. The first was to reduce the speed limit around most schools in the area to 30km/h.

The second focus area involved reducing speeds on five roads in recreational and industrial areas. Limestone Hills Road, Cooneys Road, Centrewood Park Road, and a section of Parkers Bush Road will be 40km/h, and a section of Mill Road will be reduced to 60km/h.

The third focus area was the Central Business Area, with the streets around Queen Street between Rugby Street and the Council main office reduced to 30km/h. Queen Street itself is part of State Highway 82 and is administered by NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, so the speed limit will remain at 50km/h.

Mayor Craig Rowley said when considering the proposal, a slight increase in travel time was worth it to increase the safety of our roads.

“These are not long stretches of roads with reduced speeds and will not add significant times to trips.”

Maps showing the changes are available to view on Council’s website.