Why did you have to set new speed limits?
There were a number of safety issues with the state highway in this location which had also been raised by the community. They included:
- Increased traffic
- Dangerous roadside hazards such as narrow shoulders, drains, vegetation and intersections and other accesses
Crash history – between 2009 and 2018 six people were killed and 33 were seriously injured on this road.
What are the new permanent speed limits?
| Location | Existing speed limits | New speed limits from 15 December 2020 |
|---|---|---|
| Waikuku township From 130m north of Waikuku Beach Rd, Waikuku to 210m south of Gressons Rd, Waikuku |
100km/h and 80km/h | 60km/h |
| South end of Waikuku township to Pegasus From 210m south of Gressons Rd to 270m north of Pegasus Blvd |
100km/h | 80km/h |
| South end of Woodend township to Pineacres From 140m south of Rangiora Woodend Rd to 220m south of the Cam River Bridge. |
100km/h | 80km/h |
| Pineacres intersection From 185m north to 220m south of Williams Street. |
100km/h and variable 70km/h | 80km/h and variable 60km/h |
| South of Pineacres intersection to Lineside Road interchange From 220m south of the Cam River Bridge to Lineside Road. |
100km/h | No change |
Download mapHow were those limits decided?
The speed review process involves numerous steps that help determine the speed limits we propose at consultation.
The first step is completing a technical assessment which takes into account the road itself, the traffic volumes, the crash history, and the way people are currently travelling on the roads.
Following a technical assessment, we undertake informal engagement with road user groups, members of the public, councils, AA, road transport associations, and the Police. The feedback we receive from engagement helps to determine if and what we will formally consult on for proposed speed limit changes.
During consultation we ask the community and road users for submissions on any external factors, we may need to be aware of. The consultation period runs for a minimum of four weeks. Once consultation closes, we analyse the submissions and review our technical assessment.
The consultation for the proposed speed limit changes is not a vote, it is about seeking valuable local and community input so that we can consider wider factors and context as part of our decision.
For more information about how we reached these decisions, please read our consultation summary report.
Consultation summary
Speed review process
Setting new speed limits is a legal process, and Waka Kotahi as a Road Controlling Authority (RCA) is responsible for setting new speed limits on New Zealand’s state highways. We are guided by the Speed Management Guide, which is a national framework that helps RCAs make informed, accurate and consistent speed management decisions in their communities. We also need to adhere to the Land Transport Rule: Setting of Speed Limits 2017, which sets out the roles and responsibilities of the RCAs for reviewing and setting speed limits.
Speed Management Guide
Land Transport Rule: Setting of Speed Limits 2017
When do the speed limit changes come into effect and how are the public being notified?
The new speed limits take effect on 15 December 2020.
The public will be notified of the new permanent speed limits through the newspaper, on the radio, on the Waka Kotahi website, and on social media. The public will see the new speed limit signs up from 15 December 2020.
How many crashes have happened on the route?
Between 2009 and 2018, six people were killed and 33 were seriously injured on this road.
A small change in speed makes a big difference, especially when cyclists or pedestrians are involved. Most crashes are caused by a number of contributing factors, but even when speed doesn’t cause the crash, it is most likely to determine whether anyone is killed, injured, or walks away unharmed.
What will lowering the speed limit really do?
Less speed means less harm. A small change in speed makes a big difference. Speed increases both the likelihood of crashes and the severity of crash outcomes, regardless of what caused the crash. Lowering speed limits on the road will make it more forgiving of human error so simple mistakes don’t cost lives. Fewer crashes will also reduce the amount of time the road is closed due to crashes and reduce inconvenience to drivers.
Why are you not changing the speed limit at Pegasus roundabout?
A number of consultation submissions suggested slower speeds at the Pegasus roundabout. We undertook additional technical assessments, however they did not support a decrease in speed limit. The area in and around the Pegasus roundabout is rural in nature. This area would require significant engineering interventions and investment to create a physical environment where 50km/h would be the safe and appropriate speed.
Roundabouts by their nature result in slower speeds, which makes them an ideal form of intersection for this type of rural location. However, we are always looking for ways to improve the safety of New Zealand roads.
The submissions have been passed onto the relevant Waka Kotahi staff who will look into opportunities suggested by the public to improve the safety of this route.
Why is the speed not changing from South of Pineacres intersection to Lineside Road interchange?
From 220m south of Cam River Bridge to the Lineside Road interchange, the installation of a median barrier is expected to start soon. When taking into consideration this future infrastructure project, our revised technical assessment of this section supports 100km/h as a safe and appropriate speed for the road, therefore there are no changes to the current speed limit.
Won’t the new lower speed limits mean the trip will take a lot longer?
The proposed limit prioritises people’s safety. In terms of travel time, the permanent speed limits will have a minimal impact. Over the 10km route, the travel time would only increase by approximately 1 minute.
Did you consult with the public on these changes?
Yes. Between August and September 2019, we consulted with the public on the proposed permanent speed limits. We received well over 100 submissions.
Consultation summary report [PDF, 589 KB]
Consultation submissions [PDF, 79 MB]
What is happening with safety and other improvements in surrounding areas?
There are several projects underway along SH1 in the Canterbury region. Safety improvements from Ashley to Belfast will make the state highway between Saltwater Creek and Tram Road safer for everyone and further improvements are being assessed following consultation on the Woodend Corridor.
From 220m south of Cam river bridge to the Lineside Road interchange the construction of a median barrier on this section is expected to begin soon.
When we will get the Woodend Corridor bypass?
A bypass to the east of Woodend township has been identified as a long-term planning need and a programme for construction is yet to commence. A designation remains in place east of Woodend township to protect land needed for a bypass in the longer term.
