QLDC to introduce temporary speed limit changes

Arrowtown Historic Zone Map
Date:
May 8, 2018

Queenstown Lakes District Council will introduce a number of temporary changes to speed limits around the district after safety concerns have been reported by residents and visitors.

Consistent and rapid population growth has led to an increase in both the number and type of vehicles using our roads. This has combined with changes in land use, which sees more interactions between vehicles and other road users such as schoolchildren, pedestrians, cyclists, horse riders and heavy vehicles.

The result is an increased number of community requests for safer speed limits in certain areas. Council has listened to these requests and where possible changes will be made on QLDC-controlled roads over the next two weeks.

The temporary changes are as follows:

  • A 40kmh speed limit across all of Arrowtown
  • The speed limit on Lower Shotover Road in Dalefield will reduce from 80kmh to 70kmh
  • The speed limit on Aubrey Road in Wanaka will reduce from 70kmh to 50kmh
  • The temporary 70kmh speed limit between Cardrona Village and the Cardrona Distillery will be lifted to 100kmh to allow vehicles to make use of the passing potential in that area, however, the 70kmh limit will remain around the distillery / ski field access roads.

QLDC Acting Community Operations Officer Myles Lind believes this is a proactive step towards making roads across the district safer for all users. “Growth across the region has seen a change in the way many roads are being used, and our response to speed management simply hasn’t been able to keep pace with our community’s changing needs. These speed limit changes, while temporary, recognise this and are a step towards making sure everyone who uses our roads is kept safe.”

“Last week Council approved a review of the our Speed Limits Bylaw, which when completed later this year will allow us to be much more agile in the way we approach speed management and ensuring our roads encourage safe behaviour. We’re also working closely with our partners at the New Zealand Transport Agency to ensure the whole roading network across the district is safe and the speed limits are consistent and appropriate.”

If anyone has any concerns about the safety of speed limits in their area please feel free to contact QLDC by emailing services@qldc.govt.nz, or calling 03 441 0499.

ENDS

The current Speed Limit Bylaw is available on the QLDC website: https://www.qldc.govt.nz/council-online/council-documents/bylaws/

Details of the bylaw consultation will be published in the QLDC website later in 2018: https://www.qldc.govt.nz/your-council/your-views/