Tag: Traffic

Safer speeds? What’s happening to speed limits in Papanui?

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?”

Update: Northlink development completion, and lights for the Greers/Langdons intersection

The Northlink retail development on Langdons Road in Papanui first opened in November 2018, and anchor tenant Kmart has been open since May 2020 – so what’s happening with the yet-unbuilt third block at the back of the site, and when will we see traffic lights at the increasingly-busy Greers Road / Langdons Road intersection?

Background

The resource consent for the second stage of the Northlink development encompasses what are referred to as Block A and Block B (which together form the building housing Kmart, Torpedo7, Bargain Chemist, and more) and Block C (not yet built, positioned at the back of the site). See the plan below:

Block C at the Northlink retail site in Papanui is shown on the right of this plan. It is located at the back of the site, and is yet to be built as at July 2023.

A condition of the resource consent was that Block C cannot be used “…until a contract has been let for the signalisation of the intersection of Langdons Road and Greers Road”.

Continue reading “Update: Northlink development completion, and lights for the Greers/Langdons intersection”

Simon quoted in St Albans News

In the news: My 12 February article explained the timeline and consultation processes relating to the Council’s work to manage traffic downstream of the Christchurch Northern Corridor (CNC). This has formed the basis for an article in the current issue of the St Albans News. See below for the article, or head to stalbans.gen.nz for the full digital edition.

Collaboration with council paying off for residents

Continue reading “Simon quoted in St Albans News”

Simon’s 3 March column in the Nor’West News

Today’s Nor’West News includes a column I’ve written reflecting on traffic and safety issues in the Langdons Road area, which is soon to be impacted by the opening of the Kmart in the Northlink development. As I say in the column, all members of the public are welcome to raise issues with the Community Board, and we start every meeting with a public forum if you wish to come speak to us – contact details can be found on the Council website.

Simon soap box 3 March 2020

Waipapa/Papanui-Innes Community Board deputy chair Simon Britten writes about the concerns raised over the new Northlink shopping complex.

Kmart’s new Papanui store in Langdons Road will open next month. Development at the site is bringing new shops to Papanui, but also safety concerns. Continue reading “Simon’s 3 March column in the Nor’West News”

Kmart to open in Papanui – your questions answered

Recently the Think Papanui broke the news that Kmart’s Papanui store is planned to open on the 2nd of April 2020.

Kmart opening 2 April 2020

I curate Think Papanui’s content, and have been taking a look through the questions and comments on the post I put up announcing the opening date. In this article I’ll endeavour to respond to some of these – please note that I don’t speak for or on behalf of Kmart, but I’ll include links & references where possible. Best efforts are made to ensure this information is correct as at the date of publication, but if you’re reading this at some point in the future keep in mind that circumstances may have changed. Continue reading “Kmart to open in Papanui – your questions answered”