Lower speed limits in parts of Yaldhurst

Photo / Supplied

Calls from the community have led to speed limits on some Yaldhurst roads being lowered.

The changes, which come into force in December, include a reduction in speed on SH73 east of Yaldhurst as well as Ryans, Pound, Hasketts and School roads.

New Zealand Transport Agency director regional relationships Jim Harland said: "The speed limits on Yaldhurst roads have been the subject of ongoing community calls for reductions, particularly with the significant development in the area which has generated more pedestrian and cycling activity alongside traffic."

NZTA's speed review proposed slower speed limits for SH73 on the western urban periphery of Christchurch, extending west through Yaldhurst township.

The existing speed limits were 80km/h and 100km/h, with 70km/h through Yaldhurst town centre.

The technical assessment conducted by the agency supported reductions to 60km/h through the urban fringe and Yaldhurst town centre with a reduction to 80km/h to the west of Yaldhurst, while the intervening rural section east of Yaldhurst is to remain at 80km/h.

"The feedback we received provided good support for speed reductions in the area and did not identify any particular further issues that we were not aware of.

"Some people did, however, call for lower speeds and to extend the lower speed zones further west of Yaldhurst, which we may consider in the future."

Hartland said the increase in traffic and subsequent crashes, along with the commercial development and the many driveways off the highway, means 60 and 80 kilometres per hour limits are safe and appropriate speeds for the area.

Christchurch City Council consulted on the speed limits for sections of Ryans, Pound, Hasketts and School roads.

"Improving the safety of the road network is a critical issue for the Council. These changes will reduce speeds at approaches to high risk intersections and maintain consistency of speed limits across the joint road network," said council head of transport Richard Osborne.

• More information on the permanent speed limits can be found here.