Update March 2025: the information in the article below was correct at the time of publication (October 2023). The change of central Government that occurred shortly after publication has had a significant impact on the City Council’s speed programme. Specifically, the changes approved for Papanui and Redwood in July 2023 have never been implemented, and the Safer Speed Plan is no longer being considered (see the Council website for details).
October 2023: Speed limits on some Papanui streets were reduced earlier this year, further speed reductions have been approved already and will be implemented soon, and at the time of writing there’s consultation open on a further round of proposed changes. Read on for a recap of what’s already been implemented, and what changes are now on the table.
Lower speed limits: live-saving? Or an excessive extension of travel time?
Simon Kingham is the Chief Science Advisor to the Ministry of Transport and is a Professor of Human Geography at Canterbury University. In an article published on the University’s website he explains the lower risk of injury or death when a person is hit by a slower-moving vehicle, and how greenhouse gas and nitrogen dioxide emissions are reduced at lower speeds.
Continue reading “Safer speeds? What’s happening to speed limits in Papanui?”
Simon Britten 