Vincent Community Board chairman Jayden Cromb said originally the speed limit changes were presented by the council’s roading team to the four community boards for feedback before being taken to council in the second half of 2023.
After community consultation from November 2023 to February 2024, the council, the community and New Zealand Transport Agency-Waka Kotahi had agreed to the proposed changed, but the Land Transport Rule: Setting of Speed Limits 2024 meant any changes not implemented by October 30, 2024, were invalid, he said.
The council was then asked to consult the public again in last year, which Mr Cromb had described as a waste of money.
"The communities’ responses weren’t really different to the time before, proving again this was not a good use of resources."
A council spokesperson said the changes focused on locations where safety concerns had been identified through community requests, service feedback, and where the existing speed limits no longer align with the current road environment and surrounding land use.
"The programme reflects a move away from blanket speed reductions and towards smarter, evidence-informed settings."
Council group manager — infrastructure, planning and regulatory, Quinton Penniall said with Central Otago’s large and varied road network meant infrastructure upgrades aren’t always practical or cost-effective.
"So setting the right speed limit for each road is one of the most effective tools we have to reduce harm."
Speed limit changes were coming into force as road signage was installed.
The changes included reductions in rural, residential, and high-activity areas, alongside two short sections being returned to 100kmh where the road environment supported safer travel at higher speeds, the spokesperson said.
Key locations include:
Cromwell / Bannockburn / Pisa Moorings
Bannockburn Rd, Pearson Rd and Sandflat Rd: 100 to 80kmh
Quartzville Rd, Schoolhouse Rd, Gully Rd, Jocelyn Rd and Clark Rd: 100 to 60kmh
Pisa Moorings neighbourhood streets without footpaths: 50 to 40kmh
Cemetery Road: 70 to 50kmh (SH6 to Chardonnay Street) Tarras area (SH8 connections)
Munro Lane, Jolly Road, Church Lane: 100 to 80kmh Clyde
Sunderland St, Hospital St, Mutton Town Rd: moving to 50kmh to reflect the urban street environment and hospital-related activity
Omakau
Racecourse Rd (near Omakau School variable zone end): 100 to 50kmh (shortened by 95 metres from the draft proposal)
Ranfurly and Earnscleugh (speeds increased to match land use)
Ranfurly–Patearoa Road (165m section): 50 to 100kmh
Earnscleugh Road (155m section): 50 to 100kmh
St Bathans / Cambrian
St Bathans Loop Road (heritage precinct): 50 to 30kmh
Cross Street and part of St Bathans Downs Rd: 50 to 30kmh
Cambrian Road: 100 to 30kmh
Additional St Bathans approach sections: 100 to 60kmh
