Spokes draft submission
Covering a number of areas this will be of interest to those using Harewood Road to commute to the airport, students at Harewood School and those who use Guy’s, Gardiner’s or Hussey Roads.
Due 16 April
Link to Council site to make submissions
https://cccgovtnz.cwp.govt.nz/the-council/consultations-and-submissions/haveyoursay/show/134
Reducing speed limits can make good sense and this proposal takes a small step in that direction. With central government’s draft GPS looking to improve road safety in part by lowering road speeds this proposal can offer some further improvements.
Harewood Road from Wooldridge Road to Russley Road has few commercial driveways and a number of residential. With development in the area likely to accelerate this road can be expected to get busier. It also is serves Harewood School and students do use this road. With a speed limit of 50 Km/h the safety of students is enhanced. Some people on bicycles also find it a good alternative route to the airport. The roundabout at Russley Road is a busy one and drivers travelling at 50 Km/h may be better prepared for its challenges. Spokes recommends that the limit be set at 50 Km/h, not 60 Km/h.
The short sections of Watsons and Stanleys Roads slated to go from 70 Km/h to 60 Km/h can also offer improved safety with a limit of 50 Km/h. Given the short distances shown and with both ending at Harewood Road where a complete stop is simply safe driving. Providing a consistent speed limit can help us all to change our fast ways into safe ways.
The reductions proposed for Waimakariri and Sawyer’s Arms appear reasonable for current conditions.
With the new subdivisions planned for Gardiner’s Road it may be reasonable to reduce the limit down to 50 Km/h. The consultation documents do not include information on the cost to the Council for revisiting a speed reduction in the future, but it would seem both financially prudent and good foresight to simply set the limit now anticipating the development planned.
The Guy’s and Hussey Roads proposals appear to be sensible recommendations. Spokes is not aware of development plans for these areas and would expect Council staff to have considered possible development.
