Christchurch City Councillors on Wednesday will consider a report regarding a submission on the Government’s draft Land Transport Rule: Setting of Speed Limits Rule 2024.

The Minister of Transport is currently consulting on a new rule that outlines the criteria, requirements, and procedures for Road Controlling Authorities, like the Christchurch City Council, when setting speed limits.

Proposed changes include increasing speed limits for most road classes, reversing some speed limit reductions made after 1 January 2020, introducing variable speed limits outside schools, and altering requirements in optional Speed Management Plans.

“The submission welcomes some of the proposals presented in the proposed Rule change, such as aligning NZTA’s consultation requirements for changes on the state highway network with those of Councils,” the report stated.

“However, an overarching concern identified relates to the implications that these proposed changes have for reducing the Council’s ability to work with our communities to tailor speeds to the local roading environment and meet community needs.”

“A particular issue for the Council is the potential for un-winding changes that have been made to date with strong community support,” the report added.

Councillors were able to provide feedback on the draft submission at a drop-in session.

Other concerns raised in the submission include a greater need for flexibility in setting speeds around schools, a broad urban classification that does not allow for differentiation of the full range of urban street types, additional compliance and unplanned costs, and a challenging implementation timeline.