Speed Management Plan consultation

What we proposed

We proposed to create a variable 30km/h speed limit on Salisbury Street, Stanford Street South, Stanford Street North and Cambridge Avenue. 

What we heard

Most submissions were in favour of the proposal, with one submitter seeking further changes, extending the coverage of the variable speed limit zone to include more of Cambridge Ave and Salisbury Street.  

What we decided

Council decided not to extend the variable speed limit zone to include more of Cambridge Ave and Salisbury Street as this would significantly extend the coverage of the variable speed limit zone beyond what is permitted by the Speed Limits Rule.

The Council decided to confirm the proposal with no further changes.

What we proposed

We proposed to create a variable 30km/h speed limit on Rochester Street, Dampier Avenue and connecting streets. 

What we heard

All but one of the submissions for Awapuni School were in support, with just one opposed, though no reason was given for the opposition to the proposal.  

What we decided

The Council decided to confirm the proposal with no further changes.

What we proposed

We proposed to create a variable 30km/h speed limit on College St, Botanical Road, Wikiriwhi Crescent, Dittmer Drive and Katene Street.

What we heard

Most submitters were supportive of this proposal.  Those who were opposed commented that the existing variable speed limit was sufficient for the area. While the Rule does allow for Councils to maintain existing 40km/h variable speed limits, this creates potential confusion for drivers who will see different variable speed limits at different locations throughout the city.

Some submitters also suggested extending the variable speed limit zone on College Street and Botanical Road.  However this would significantly extend the area of coverage of the variable speed limit zone beyond what is permitted by the Speed Limits Rule.   

One submitter suggested that the variable speed limit should apply from 7am to 4pm, however this is not permitted by the Speed Limits Rule.  

What we decided

The Council decided to confirm the proposal with no further changes. 

One other change suggested by the submitters – installing a raised pedestrian crossing closer to the entrance to Awatapu College – has been referred to our Roading Team for consideration and prioritisation.

What we proposed

We proposed to create a variable 30km/h speed limit on Baring Street, Little Street, Dutton Street and Dixons Line.

What we heard

All submissions were in support of the proposal, with one submitter suggesting further changes.

These suggested changes were to extend the variable speed limit zone on Dixons Line and Dutton St, and to also include an additional section of Railway Road from Kairanga-Bunnythorpe Road to Maple St.  

What we decided

There are low benefits to extending the speed zone on Dutton Street. The proposed location for the sign is in an area clear of clutter and with clear visibility. If the sign was moved closer to the intersection it is unlikely to improve visibility of the signage. Extending the speed zone on Dixons Line and including Railway Rd would not be compliant with the Speed Limits Rule as this road is not within the 300m zone outside of the school gate. Therefore, the Council chose not to make these additional changes. 

The Council decided to confirm the proposal with no further changes.

What we proposed

We proposed to create a variable 30km/h speed limit on Broadway Avenue, Rangitāne Street and Vivian Street.

What we heard

A majority of submissions were in support of the proposal. The sole submitter in opposition did not give any reasons for opposing this proposal.

Two submissions suggested changes to the proposal. One suggested that the variable speed limit is not necessary on Rangitāne Street due to the low operating speed already.  However, we are required to install a variable speed limit on all roads where there is a school gate, and there is a school gate for Carncot Independent School on Rangitāne Street.

The other suggested change was to move the variable speed limit signs closer to the roundabouts, to discourage drivers from accelerating too much before reaching the speed zone. When looking at this location, with most on-street parking being angled parking, there are limited practical sites for the variable speed limit signs to be installed. Signs need to be located so that drivers turning left or right onto Broadway Ave from either Victoria Ave or Albert Street have time to see the variable speed limit signs and react. Signs also need to be located clear of obstructions such as trees to ensure that solar power is supplied to the signs. While the actual site of the signs may be adjusted slightly when installed, closer to the roundabouts, it may not be practical to move them substantially closer without compromising the effectiveness of the signs. Also, if the signs were moved closer to the roundabouts they would only increase the length of the variable speed limit by 20-40m in either direction and would have minimal impact on the effect of the variable speed limit zone.

What we decided

The Council decided to confirm the proposal with no further changes.

What we proposed

We proposed to create a variable 30km/h speed limit on Featherston Street, Aroha Street, Campbell Street, Lombard Street and Taonui Street.

What we heard

Most submitters were in support of this proposal, with only three opposed. One submitter opposed to the proposal argued that the existing 40km/h variable speed limit was appropriate and did not need to be changed.

What we decided

While the Speed Limits Rule does allow for Councils to maintain existing 40km/h variable speed limits, this creates potential confusion for drivers who will see different variable speed limits at different locations throughout the city. This would especially be the case for Central Normal School, with NZTA proposing a 30km/h variable speed limit for Queen Elizabeth College on Rangitikei Street.

The Council decided to confirm the proposal with no further changes.

What we proposed

We proposed to create a variable 30km/h speed limit on Herbert Avenue (to include park entrance) and Benmore Avenue.

What we heard

All submissions were in support of this proposal. However, one submitter observed that there is an access to the school on Bendigo Street, similar to the access on Benmore Ave (across Cloverlea Park). They suggested that the variable speed limit zone include Bendigo Street as well.

What we decided

The Council supported this change and agreed to amend the proposal to include the entirety of Bendigo Street in the variable speed limit zone. The Council also decided to extend the variable speed limit zone on Herbert Avenue to connect with the intersection of Bendigo Street.

What we proposed

We proposed to create a variable 30km/h speed limit on College Street, Marne St, Ada Street, Oxford Street, Morris Street, Park Road and Karaka Street.

What we heard

Most submitters were supportive of this proposal, with just one submitter opposed (but giving no reasons).

What we decided

One submitter suggested that the markings for the pedestrian crossing on Park Road be improved to make it clearer that it is a pedestrian crossing. This suggestion has been referred to our Roading Team for consideration and prioritisation.

Another submitter suggested extending the proposed variable speed limit zone on College Street in both directions, to Victoria Ave and Fitzherbert Ave. However, this would make the variable speed limit zone more than 800m long, substantially longer than the 300m outside the school gate that the Speed Limits Rule permits and would not be compliant with the Speed Limits Rule.   

The Council decided to confirm the proposal with no further changes.

What we proposed

We proposed to create a variable 30km/h speed limit on Mihaere Drive, Roberts Line and Fernlea Drive.

What we heard

Most submissions were supportive of this proposal, arguing that reduced speed limits keep children safe. Two submitters were opposed to the proposal, with one submitter suggesting instead that the existing 40km/h variable speed limit should be retained. They also assumed that the variable speed limit would be in effect for three hours every school day and argued that this was excessive.

What we decided

While the Speed Limits Rule does allow for Councils to maintain existing 40km/h variable speed limits for schools, this creates potential confusion for drivers who will see different variable speed limits at different locations throughout the city.

With regards to the time that the variable speed limit would be in effect (the “school travel period”), this was not included in the proposal, but they were included in the final report to the Council on 1 April 2026. For Cornerstone Christian School, the school travel period was set at 8.20 – 9.05am (45 mins) and 2.45 – 3.20pm (35 mins) – a total of 1 hour and 20 mins. 

The Council decided to confirm the proposal with no further changes.

What we proposed 

We proposed to create a variable 30km/h speed limit on Ruahine Street, Featherston St and Freyberg Street and connecting streets. 

What we heard

Most submissions supported these proposals, noting that the existing 40 km/h variable speed limit has already improved safety for schoolchildren. Among the three submitters who opposed these proposals, they argued that this area is already congested, and a 30 km/h variable speed limit will make congestion worse. They also argued that Featherston Street was a main route far away from the actual school entrances. 

What we decided

We are required to create a variable speed limit outside the school gate for 300 metres.  With both Freyberg School and Ross Intermediate in close proximity to each other, the 300 metre zone extends along the length of Freyberg St and continues into Featherston Street.  This is reasonable, as it includes the route that most children will use to access either school. 

While the Speed Limits Rule does allow for Councils to maintain existing 40km/h variable speed limits, and this might alleviate the concern of the submitter who suggested that a 30km/h variable speed limit would worsen congestion, a different variable speed limit for these schools creates potential confusion for drivers who see different variable speed limits at different locations throughout the city.

The Speed Limits Rule does not permit permanent 30km/h speed limits for schools unless we also set a permanent 30km/h speed limit for the remainder of the road and it is permitted to set that 30km/h speed limit for that road under Schedule 3 of the Rule. However, Featherston Street does not meet the criteria for a road where a permanent 30km/h speed limit can be set.

The proposed 30km/h variable speed limit on Ruahine St for St Mary’s School uses the existing variable speed limit zone, which is approximately 300m and is therefore compliant with the Rule.  While the Council could decide to move the start and end points of the variable speed limit zone, this would require the current electronic signs to be relocated, increasing the cost of implementation.

The Council decided to confirm the proposal with no further changes.

What we proposed

We proposed to create a variable 30km/h speed limit on Albert St and connecting roads 

What we heard

While most submitters were in favour of the proposals for these schools, five submitters were opposed.

Those in favour acknowledged that lower speed limits reduce the risk of serious accidents, and give drivers and pedestrians more time to react. They also observed that Albert St is a busy route, and that a reduced speed limit is beneficial when there are extra vehicles on the road dropping off or picking up children. One submitter also suggested that slower speed limits could also discourage drivers from using the slower route if they had an alternative.

Of the five submitters opposed, one suggested that slower speed limits take away the personal responsibility of the motorist to drive safely. While we should encourage motorists to always drive safely and to the conditions, the Council notes that this doesn’t preclude using speed limits to set the safe and appropriate speed limit for our roads. Similarly, the presence of road patrols and the advantages they provide for road safety doesn’t preclude also using speed limits to set the safe and appropriate speed limit for roads.

Some submitters also suggested additional changes, including installing raised pedestrian crossings in place of existing crossings, and increasing enforcement of parking restrictions.

What we decided

While the Speed Limits Rule does allow for Councils to maintain existing 40km/h variable speed limits, a different variable speed limit for these schools creates potential confusion for drivers who see different variable speed limits at different locations throughout the city.

The additional signage suggested by St James’ Catholic School is acknowledged. However, it is unlikely that additional static variable speed limit signs closer to the school will produce a significant benefit in relation to the cost. Along Albert Street there are “repeater” signs approximately halfway between Hokowhitu School and St James’ Catholic School to remind drivers that they are in a variable speed limit zone. 

The suggestion to install raised pedestrian crossings will be referred to our Roading Team for consideration and prioritisation. The suggestion for increased enforcement of parking restrictions will be referred to our Parking Team.

The Council decided to confirm the proposal with no further changes.

What we proposed

We proposed to create a variable 30km/h speed limit on Kairanga-Bunnythorpe Road. 

What we heard

Most submitters were in support of this proposal.

However, one submitter suggested that the 30km/h variable speed limit was excessive, and could cause issues for drivers having to lower their speed from 70 or 100km/h to 30km/h. They suggested instead that the speed limit should be 50km/h.

One further submitter to Manawatū District Council’s consultation on this proposal (as joint Road Controlling Authority for this road) expressed a similar concern about the proposal to set a 30km/h variable speed limit, suggesting it should not be so low. 

What we decided

Under the Speed Limits Rule, schools can be designated category 1 or category 2. There are no defined criteria for determining whether a school should be designated either category 1 or 2.

By definition, any school that is not designated category 2 is automatically designated category 1.

The difference between these two categories is the maximum variable speed limit that is permitted. A category 1 school must have a variable speed limit no greater than 30km/h (or 40km/h, if a 40km/h variable speed limit was in effect immediately prior to the Rule being adopted).  A category 2 school must have a variable speed limit no greater than 60km/h. In the consultation document, we did not propose designating any schools as category 2. 

To set a 50km/h variable speed limit, we would need to designate the school as category 2. However, there is only a small sealed shoulder for vehicles to pull off from the road when dropping off children, and at a speed limit of 50km/h during the school travel period this still poses a significant risk for children and drivers. The proposed 30km/h variable speed limit, while a substantial reduction from the permanent speed limit of 70km/h, seems more appropriate.

The Council decided to confirm the proposal with no further changes.

What we proposed

We proposed to create a variable 30km/h speed limit on Walkers Road. 

What we heard

Almost all submitters were in favour of the proposal. One submitter however suggested that the variable speed limit zone should include all of Walkers Road from SH56 to the school entrance.

What we decided

The Speed Limits Rule states that the variable speed limit must apply to the 300m stretch of road outside the school gate.  Extending the variable speed limit zone as suggested would be nearly 1000m and is not compliant with the Speed Limits Rule.   

The Council decided to confirm the proposal with no further changes.

What we proposed

We proposed to create a variable 30km/h speed limit on Carey St and Works Rd. 

What we heard

All submissions supported a reduced speed limit around the school. One submitter suggested that the 30km/h was too slow for the State Highway and proposed that the speed limit through Longburn should be 50km/h.

Some submitters suggested several changes for Carey Street and SH56 to improve safety for schoolchildren, alongside the proposed 30km/h variable speed limit.

What we decided

The Council is not the road controlling authority for SH56. Therefore, we have referred suggestions relating to SH56 to NZTA for consideration. The suggestions relating to improvements to Carey Street have been referred to our Roading Team for consideration and prioritisation.

The Council decided to confirm the proposal with no further changes.

What we proposed

We proposed to create a variable 30km/h speed limit on Grey St and connecting roads.

What we heard

All submitters on this proposal were in support.

What we decided

The Council decided to confirm the proposal with no further changes.

What we proposed

We proposed to create a variable 30km/h speed limit on Savage Crescent and connecting roads. 

What we heard

All submitters on this proposal were in support.

What we decided

The Council decided to confirm the proposal with no further changes.

What we proposed

We proposed to create a variable 30km/h speed limit on Langley Avenue, Fairs Road and Abraham Crescent, and intersection roads.

What we heard

All submissions were in favour of the proposal, though one submitter suggested that instead of a variable speed limit there should be a “slow zone” on Langley Ave and Fairs Road.

Some submitters also requested additional signage around no parking zones and renewed line markings around pedestrians crossings.

What we decided

The “slow zone” alternative to a variable speed limit is a permanent speed limit and this is not permitted under the Speed Limits Rule. All schools must have a variable speed limit for the 300m stretch of road outside the school gate. A permanent lower speed limit is only permitted if the remainder of the road is also set at a lower permanent speed limit and the road is permitted to have that lower speed limit. Neither Langley Ave nor Fairs Road meet the criteria for a lower permanent speed limit, and so the alternative of a “slow zone” is not practical. 

The requests for additional signage and renewed line markings will be referred to our Roading Team for consideration and prioritisation.

The Council decided to confirm the proposal with no further changes.

What we proposed

We proposed to create a variable 30km/h speed limit on Botanical Road, Highbury Avenue, Brighton Crescent and connecting roads. 

What we heard

All submitters were in support of the proposal, though one submitter advocated for a permanent 30km/h speed limit rather than a variable speed limit. All schools must have a variable speed limit for the 300m stretch of road outside the school gate. A permanent lower speed limit is only permitted if the remainder of the road is also set at a lower permanent speed limit and the road is permitted to have that lower speed limit. However, none of the roads in question – Brighton Crescent, Highbury Ave and Botanical Road meet the criteria for a lower permanent speed limit.

One submitter also suggested that if variable speed limits are used, then there should be electronic signage on Brighton Crescent. The existing variable speed limit sign is located on Highbury Ave, just before the intersection with Brighton Crescent heading south-east. The reason for this location is to “activate” the variable speed limit zone for both Highbury Ave and Brighton Crescent (similar signs are placed on Botanical Road). Additionally, electronic signs are most effective on high-volume roads such as collector and arterial roads; Highbury Ave is classified as a collector road where Brighton Crescent is classified a local road with lower traffic volumes. Therefore, the sign on Highbury Ave is in a better location than on Brighton Crescent.

What we decided

The additional changes suggested by submitters were not supported by Council.  However Additional suggestions for improving the safety of the school area, especially along Brighton Crescent, have been referred to our Roading Team for consideration and prioritisation.

The Council decided to confirm the proposal with no further changes.

What we proposed

We proposed to create a variable 30km/h speed limit on Shamrock Street. 

What we heard

All submitters on this proposal were in support.

What we decided

The Council decided to confirm the proposal with no further changes.

What we proposed

We proposed to create a variable 30 km/h speed limit on College Street, Linton Street, South Street, Ferguson Street, Pitt Street and connecting roads.

What we heard

All submitters on this proposal were in support.

What we decided

The Council decided to confirm the proposal with no further changes.

What we proposed

We proposed to create a variable 30 km/h speed limit on Featherston St, North St and connecting roads.

Additionally, NZTA (as road controlling authority for SH3) has proposed to install a 30km/h variable speed limit on Rangitikei St/SH3 for Queen Elizabeth College.

What we heard

Most submitters supported these proposals, arguing that slower speed limits reduce the risk of serious accidents and increase the time to react whenever there may be a collision.

One submitter who was opposed argued that the issue was the narrowing of Featherston Street when the separated cycle lane was installed, and that this was proven by the photo of a bus blocking traffic behind it. While we appreciate the frustrations that some residents have with the changes to the road layout of Featherston Street, this does not appear to be related to the issue of variable speed limits outside schools. It is a legal requirement for the Council to create variable speed limits outside schools, regardless of the road layout of Featherston Street. 

One submitter suggested the variable speed limit zone should be extended to create a single contiguous variable speed limit zone that incorporates both Palmerston North Boys’ High School and Queen Elizabeth College. We did give consideration to that option, however if NZTA did increase the length of its variable speed limit zone to the intersection with Featherston Street it would significantly exceed the 300m length permitted by the Speed Limits Rule. Furthermore, having the variable speed limit zone beginning at a signalised intersection where there is already significant activity is likely to make the environment more confusing.

What we decided

The Council decided to confirm the proposal with no further changes.

What we proposed

We proposed to create a variable 30 km/h speed limit on Fitzherbert Avenue, Park Road and connecting roads.

What we heard

While most submitters were in favour of this proposal, those who were opposed supplied several arguments why they were opposed. They identified that Fitzherbert Avenue is a strategic route for vehicles crossing the river, with no alternative. They suggested that slowing down this route would increase congestion. They also argued that because the school was a high school, this did not warrant a speed limit reduction as older children are more aware of road safety than younger children, and therefore were less vulnerable. 

What we decided

While it is accepted that Fitzherbert Avenue is a strategic route for vehicles crossing the river, the Council does not have the discretion to exempt this route from a variable speed limit. The Council does have the ability to retain the existing 40km/h variable speed limit rather than lower it to 30km/h. However, a consistent approach to variable speed limits outside schools is preferred as this reduces the risk of confusion arising from different variable speed limits operating across the city.   

Furthermore, the argument that high school children are less vulnerable than primary or intermediate school children is not strong. While some children may have more awareness of road safety, this is not proven to be accurate for all high school children. It also does not account for accidents and mistakes by both pedestrians and drivers. When an accident happens, the speed affects the severity of the outcomes for pedestrians in particular. A reduction in the speed limit, while creating a small additional inconvenience for the driver, could improve the outcome for a pedestrian in the event of a collision.

The Council decided to confirm the proposal with no further changes.

What we proposed

We proposed to create a variable 30 km/h speed limit on Parkland Crescent, Balmoral Drive and connecting roads.

What we heard

All submitters on this proposal were in support.

What we decided

The Council decided to confirm the proposal with no further changes.

What we proposed

We proposed to create a variable 30 km/h speed limit on Slacks Road, Hartley Place, Julianna Place, Mudgway Place and connecting roads. 

What we heard

Almost all submitters were in support of this proposal, pointing to the safety benefits for school children of a variable speed limit.  One submitter was opposed but did not provide any reasons.

What we decided 

The Council decided to confirm the proposal with no further changes.

What we proposed

We proposed to create a variable 30 km/h speed limit on Shelley Street, Milton Street, Kipling Street, Vogel Street and connecting roads. 

What we heard

Most submitters were in support of this proposal, with many noting the number of vehicles that speed in this area, the impact of parked vehicles narrowing the road and making visibility poor for spotting children crossing the road, and the number of “near-misses” that had been witnessed.

This proposal also attracted the largest number of submissions amongst all the school proposals, with nearly twice as many submissions and the next highest school proposal. No comments were received from the one submitter opposed to this proposal.

There were several suggestions for physical safety improvements to these roads, including speed bumps near the entry points of the school, pedestrian crossings and parking restrictions. These have been referred to our Roading Team for consideration and prioritisation.

There were two suggestions to extend the length of the variable speed limit zone, further up along Vogel Street to Tremaine Ave, and down Vogel Street towards Church on Vogel. However, these extensions would make the length of the variable speed limit significantly larger than the 300m permitted by the Speed Limits Rule.

What we decided

The Council decided to confirm the proposal with no further changes.

What we proposed

We proposed to create a variable 30 km/h speed limit on Russell Street, Tyndall Street and connecting roads.

What we heard

Most submitters were in support of this proposal, observing that there are too many vehicles speeding on Russell Street. They argued that slower speed limits reduce the risk of serious accidents.

One submitter commented that a 40km/h variable speed limit is sufficient, and that a 30km/h limit is frustrating and unnecessary. While the Speed Limits Rule does allow the Council to retain an existing 40km/h variable speed limit, Russell Street School does not currently have a 40km/h variable speed limit.

Submitters also suggested additional changes to improve safety for school children, including speed bumps, raised pedestrian crossings, yellow “no parking” lines, and improved enforcement of existing parking restrictions. These suggestions have been referred to our Roading and Parking teams respectively for consideration and prioritisation.

What we decided

The Council decided to confirm the proposal with no further changes.

What we proposed

We proposed to create a variable 30 km/h speed limit on Rennie Avenue, Holdsworth Avenue and connecting roads. 

What we heard

All submissions were in favour of this proposal and did not suggest any changes.

What we decided

The Council decided to confirm the proposal with no further changes.

What we proposed

We proposed to create a variable 30 km/h speed limit on Rhodes Drive, Peter Hall Drive and the connecting roads.

What we heard

All submissions were in favour of this proposal and did not suggest any changes.

What we decided

The Council decided to confirm the proposal with no further changes.

What we proposed

We proposed to create a variable 30 km/h speed limit on Somerset Crescent, Lancaster Street, Highbury Avenue and Drayton Place. 

What we heard

All submissions were in favour of this proposal and did not suggest any changes.

What we decided

The Council decided to confirm the proposal with no further changes. 

What we proposed

We proposed to create a variable 30 km/h speed limit on Ruahine Street, Kauri Street and the connecting roads.

What we heard

All submissions were in favour of this proposal and did not suggest any changes.

What we decided

The Council decided to confirm the proposal with no further changes.

What we proposed

We proposed to create a variable 30 km/h speed limit on "Turitea School Road".

What we heard

All submitters supported the proposed variable speed limit for "Turitea School Road", though most argued that this was not a significant problem as "Turitea School Road" is only 200m long, not a through road, and therefore vehicles are unable to reach the current 100km/h speed limit. Almost all submitters believed that the proposal should go further and include Old West Road/SH57.

Many submitters commented on the unsafe environment for Turitea School students with Old West Road/SH57 retaining a 100km/h speed limit. In particular, vehicles travelling too fast for the corner, with a vehicle recently failing to take the corner and crashing through the school boundary fence.

While we acknowledge and accept that this presents a significant hazard for school children, the Council has no power to change the speed limit on Old West Road, as it is designated SH57 and is controlled by NZTA. We engaged with NZTA during the development of the draft Speed Management Plan and alerted them to these concerns and suggested that a variable speed limit should apply to both Turitea School Road (by PNCC as the road controlling authority for local roads) and Old West Road/SH57 (by NZTA, as the road controlling authority for state highways). However, NZTA advised us that they were unable to create a variable speed limit for this section of SH57 as the school entrance is not on SH57. 

What we decided

Any change to the speed limit for SH57 is a matter for NZTA as the road controlling authority for state highways. We have forwarded the comments of submitters to NZTA for consideration and advocate for a speed limit review of Old West Road/SH57 to potentially lower the speed limit permanently along this section.

The Council decided to confirm the proposal with no further changes.

What we proposed

We proposed to create a variable 30 km/h speed limit on Stoney Creek Road.

What we heard

Most submitters were in support of this proposal, observing that the road is busy and lower speeds help to protect schoolchildren. One submitter was opposed and suggested that the variable speed limit should be 70km/h for roads where the adjoining areas are 100km/h. However, the Rule does not permit a variable speed limit outside the school gate to be 70km/h.

One submitter suggested that the Council should ask NZTA to create a 30km/h variable speed limit on SH3. Currently, NZTA operates a 60km/h variable speed limit for the section of SH3 that intersects with Stoney Creek Road. This was created in 2022, before the current Rule was in effect.  We will refer this suggestion to NZTA for consideration.

One submitter also suggested improving parking for drop-off and collection of school children. An off-road parking area has already been created to make drop-off and collection safer for children.

What we decided

The Council decided to confirm the proposal with no further changes.

What we proposed

We created a variable 30 km/h speed limit on Ruahine Street, Newcastle Street and connecting roads. 

What we heard

Most submitters supported this proposal, though one submitter was opposed. The arguments against the proposal weren’t specific to this location, suggesting that parental and driver responsibility was more important, and that drivers don’t obey speed limits anyway.

Notwithstanding this anecdotal suggestion, most drivers follow the speed limit most times; the failure of some drivers to follow the speed limit should not be an argument against setting appropriate speed limits in the first place. Similarly, while both drivers and pedestrians have an obligation to keep safe in all conditions, this does not preclude also setting speed limits which are safe and appropriate for the environment.

Submitters suggested two changes to the proposed variable speed limit zones.

The first is to extend the variable speed limit zone down Newcastle Street. However, this extension would make the length of the variable speed limit significantly larger than the 300m permitted by the Speed Limits Rule. The second suggested change was to extend the variable speed limit zone from Harrow Place, to connect with the proposed zone on Ruahine Street. This is reasonable, as the variable speed limit zone from the school gate at the end of Harrow Place is currently just 60m. It would be sensible to extend this to include Pahiatua Street from the intersection with Harrow Place to a point just before the intersection with Galway Ave. It would also be sensible to extend it in the opposite direction, to connect with the proposed variable speed limit zone on Ruahine Street, so that it is a contiguous variable speed limit zone.

What we decided

The Council decided to amend the proposal by extending the 30 km/h variable speed limit zone on Harrow Place to include Pahiatua Street, from the intersection with Harrow Place to a point just before the intersection with Galway Ave, and along Pahiatua Street to Ruahine Street to form a contiguous variable speed limit zone.

What we proposed

We proposed to create an intersection speed zone (ISZ) for Longburn-Rongotea Road at the intersection with Number 1 Line.  An ISZ is a form of variable speed limit where the speed limit on Longburn-Rongotea Road would be temporarily lowered to 70km/h whenever traffic was waiting at the intersecting roads.

What we heard

Most submitters were in support of the proposed ISZ for Longburn-Rongotea Road/Number 1 Line. They agreed that the intersection is dangerous and prone to accidents. The speed of vehicles approaching the intersection, failure to stop at the stop signs, and the time needed to safely cross the intersection were all cited as reasons why the ISZ was supported.

Some submitters were opposed to the proposal, arguing that the problem was not with the speed of the intersection but instead was related to driver skills and drivers not stopping at the stop signs. One submitter expressed limited support for the proposal, but was frustrated that the variable speed limit signs stay activated after the turning vehicles have exited the intersection.

We acknowledge the concerns about driver skills, but this assumes that we can only take one approach to addressing the issue. While the Council has no power to directly influence driver skills, it can contribute to making the intersection safer by installing the ISZ. Slower speeds around the intersection can significantly reduce the harm caused when accidents happen.

Several submitters made suggestions for different or further changes. Some suggested that physical treatment of the intersection was a better approach – a roundabout or other physical traffic-calming features. While a roundabout could be an effective approach to improving the safety of this intersection, the estimated cost of $4-6M is many times more than the estimated cost of $400k for an ISZ. Furthermore, this route is potentially affected by decisions for the Manawatū Regional Freight Ring Road (MRFRR).  An ISZ could therefore be treated as an interim safety measure until the broader discussions about the route of the MRFRR have been concluded. An ISZ is also quicker and easier to install, and can be completed within months whereas a permanent intersection redesign that included a roundabout could take several years to complete.

One submitter suggested that installing speed cameras on either side of the Number 1 Line intersection could help. However, speed cameras are installed and managed by NZTA not the Council.

Several speed limit changes for other roads were suggested. However as these were not included in the Consultation Document, we are unable to make a decision on any speed limit changes for those roads. These suggestions will be considered as part of the next stage of our speed limits review programme.

One submitter suggested that the speed limit for Number 1 Line west of the intersection with Longburn-Rongotea Road should be lowered, as many drivers do not stop at the stop signs. However this approach – of progressively slower speed limits leading into an intersection – is not supported by NZTA as good practice. A better approach may be to install rumble strips or advisory signs to alert motorists to the approaching stop sign.

What we decided

The Council decided to confirm the proposal with no further changes.

Manawatū District Council (MDC) is the road controlling authority for Number 1 Line west of the intersection with Longburn-Roongotea Road. We have referred the submissions we received on this proposal to MDC and recommended that they give consideration to the issue.

We have referred to NZTA the suggestion to install speed cameras for this section of road.

What we proposed

We proposed to lower the speed limit on Te Wanaka Road to 50km/h. 

What we heard

Most submitters supported this proposal and noted the safety concerns that will emerge as the development of Kikiwhenua proceeds.

One submitter opposed to the proposal argued that as it is a country road the speed limit should stay as it is until the development has already been completed.

While there are no issues with Te Wanaka Road presently, as development occurs the volume of traffic is projected to increase significantly. Furthermore, without a lower speed limit already in place the development of Kikiwhenua will be substantially limited, as the property sections will be need to be set further back from the road if the speed limit remains at 70km/h (and SH56 remains at 100km/h). The larger setback will limit the number of properties that can be developed, which has implications for providing for urban growth in the city.

All of the suggested further changes related not to Te Wanaka Road but to SH56, which is controlled by NZTA.

What we decided

We will forward to NZTA for consideration the suggestions for improvements to SH56.

The Council decided to confirm the proposal with no further changes.