Why set a new speed limit?
There were several safety issues with SH88 through Port Chalmers, these had also been raised by the community. They included:
- Concern that current speed limit puts pedestrians at risk
- Not enough pedestrian crossings
- The speed of vehicles as they approach the town
- Increase in amount of traffic on this road especially large trucks servicing the local port
- Poor visibility on some sections of this highway for both drivers and pedestrians
- The complex road environment at the Beach Street end of SH88, where four local roads and the Port entrance converge with the highway.
Why wasn’t a 30km/h speed limit approved?
Waka Kotahi considered a lower 30km/h speed limit. As part of this we looked at a variety of factors including the highway being a key road freight route to a major port, a desire from the community to retain parking and not to have raised concrete platforms on SH88 to help reduce speed. A 30km/h limit is designed for place making where traffic and people can safely mingle in a calm low speed traffic environment. To create this in Port Chalmers would require considerable engineering work such as reallocating road space, removing some parks and installing kerb build outs.
Another issue would be getting drivers to stick to a lower 30km/h speed limit on this section of highway, because it doesn’t look or feel like a 30km/h speed environment. This is an important factor when drivers decide on whether to comply with a posted speed limit or not. When they don’t it makes it difficult for pedestrians to judge gaps and work out when it is safe to cross the road, this is a particular risk for young and older members of our community.
In considering a 30km/h speed limit Waka Kotahi had to balance the needs of all highways alongside those of the local community which is why we set not only a safe but also an appropriate speed for the function a highway serves. After assessing the road environment and level of activity, particularly pedestrians over a full 24-hour period this section of road doesn’t for now support a 30km/h speed limit.
30km/h speed limit zones
What are the new permanent speed limits?
From Friday 23 October 2020 the existing 50km/h speed limit on SH88 through Port Chalmers between Wickcliffe Terrace and the Beach Street rail crossing will be reduced to 40km/h.
View the speed limit map [PDF, 337 KB]
How were those limits decided?
There are numerous steps in the speed review process that determine the speed limit we consult on.
The first step is completing a technical assessment which takes into account the road itself, traffic volumes, the crash history, and how people are currently travelling on the roads.
Following the technical assessment, we undertook informal engagement with road user groups, members of the public, councils, AA, road transport associations, and the Police. This feedback helped 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 runs for a minimum of 4 weeks. Once it 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 into our decisions.
For more information about how we reached these decisions, please read our consultation summary.
Consultation summary [PDF, 633 KB]
What rules and regulations need to be considered?
Waka Kotahi as a Road Controlling Authority (RCA) is responsible for setting new speed limits on New Zealand’s state highways.
Setting new speed limits is a legal process, outlined in 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.
In performing this task 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.
The Speed Management Guide [PDF, 7.4 MB]
Land Transport Rule: Setting of Speed Limits 2017(external link)
When do the speed limit changes come into effect and how are the public being notified?
The new speed limit takes effect on Friday, 23 October 2020.
The new permanent speed limit will be widely advertised through the newspaper, online and via social media. The public will see the new speed limit signs being installed a few days prior to the new safer speed limit coming into force.
How many crashes have happened on the route?
In the last five years there has been two non-injury crashes and one minor injury crash on SH88 through Port Chalmers.
A small change in speed makes a big difference, especially when cyclists or pedestrians are involved. Most crashes are caused by a variety of factors, even when speed doesn’t cause the crash, it is most likely to determine whether anyone is killed, injured, or walks away unharmed.
Won’t the new lower speed limits mean the trip will take a lot longer?
The permanent speed limits will have a minimal impact on travel times over what is a short 600 metre section of highway.
Did you consult with the public on these changes?
Yes. In September/October 2019 we consulted with the public on the proposed permanent speed limits. We received 220 submissions. You can read our consultation summary and view the submissions.
What safety improvements have been made to this section of highway?
Pedestrian safety improvement work in the last three years has seen the installation of centreline bollards, wider edge and centre lines. To help slow traffic, a digital traffic speed warning sign was installed on the SH88 western entrance to the town, about five years ago. Waka Kotahi will also review pedestrian crossings in Port Chalmers and then prioritise this work for implementation.
