Queenstown Lakes District Council is asking for community feedback on proposed changes in a bid to create safer roads throughout the district.
Proposed speed limit changes include 40kmh in new residential development areas, 50kmh in fringe areas including Domain Rd and Cemetery Rd in Lake Hawea as well as reducing Golf Course Rd from 70kmh to 40kmh.
The proposed speed limits also include lowering a section of Cardrona Valley Rd outside the Cardrona Skifield access road intersection from 80kmh to 60kmh.
A Wānaka Golf Club spokeswoman said they advocated for lower speed limits on Ballantyne Rd before the new crossing and traffic lights were put in place.
‘‘That was due to drivers speeding through the intersection at Golf Course/Ballantyne Rds and causing a safety issue.
‘‘Now with the traffic light/ calming structure this problem has been resolved,’’ she said.
Council strategic asset manager Alison Tomlinson said the council was responsible for setting safe and appropriate speed limits on local roads and people’s safety was a top priority.
‘‘Whether you’re driving, walking, cycling or scooting, everyone should be able to get where they’re going safely.
‘‘As our district grows, more people are moving between our towns and communities every day.
‘‘Our vision is that every person can travel safely and efficiently,’’ she said.
Ms Tomlinson said lowering speeds in areas with a history of crashes was a proven way of improving safety.
‘‘We know some people may be concerned about travel times, but in most cases the impact is minimal.’’
The council’s Safer Speeds 2026 Let’s Talk page said when it came to speed, every little bit mattered.
‘‘Lower speeds reduce both the number and severity of crashes, which in turn lowers the social cost associated with each crash, as well as the burden on emergency services,’’ it said.
Feedback from the survey will be used to finalise speed limit changes in the speed management plan as well as to inform what should be included in the next iteration of the speed management plan.
The speed management plan will go to council for adoption in mid-2026.
