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The NZ Transport Agency has been told to hurry up and reduce the speed limit in Port Chalmers’ main road.
The Port Chalmers and community has long been pushing for the speed limit in George St to be reduced from 50kmh to 30kmh.Protests have been held, submissions made and petitions signed but so far there has been no permanent change.
Sections of the street have been temporarily reduced to 30kmh.
On Tuesday, the Dunedin City Council voted to support the lowering of the speed limit and requested it be done before October 1, 2019.
Cr Aaron Hawkins said the NZTA had the power to reduce the speed limit and did not have to wait until 2020 when its next review was planned. Cr Wilson said she would have supported a stronger motion, asking the NZTA to reduce the speed before the end of November.
"Given the work this community board has done and the data already collected, it seems perverse to me this hasn’t been done already."
Pete Cole, owner of the Union Co Cafe in George St, said it was well past time the speed limit was reduced.
Mr Cole said he had seen too many close calls through the cafe’s windows.
"It seems like unless someone dies, nothing will be done about it."
He hoped the council’s message was heeded.
West Harbour Community Board chairman Steve Walker said he would like to see the 30kmh speed limit in place before the next cruise ship season. It would be a win for the community, tourists and the "long-suffering" George St business owners, Mr Walker said.
Port Otago already has a voluntary speed limit of 30kmh for its trucks in George St and has paid for the permanent placement of an electronic radar sign at the entrance to the town.