Riccarton Road currently has a 50km/h limit - but the Christchurch City Council is looking at reducing this to 30km/h between Matipo St and Straven Rd.
Said council transport operations manager Steffan Thomas: "This central section of Riccarton Rd is a busy pedestrian and shopping area and we think it would benefit from having a lower speed limit."
"Speed determines both the likelihood of a crash occurring and the severity of the outcome.
"Regardless of what causes a crash, whether people walk away or are carried away will depend on the speed the vehicles are travelling.
"It is not just about keeping the driver and passengers of a car safe, if a vehicle crashes into a vulnerable road user at speeds higher than 30km/h, the risk of them dying or being seriously injured increases greatly.
"A 30km/h speed limit would complement the streetscape improvements we are making and make the area safer and more attractive for all users,'' Mr Thomas said.
Under the proposal, the 30km/h limit would also extend to the busy retail areas of Rotherham and Division Sts.
"We are also proposing to introduce a 40km/h speed limit on the side streets between Riccarton Rd and Riccarton Bush.
"This is in response to concerns raised by local residents about drivers who shortcut at speed through these streets,’’ Mr Thomas said.
The council is seeking public feedback on the proposed speed limit changes until Monday, February 10.
A community drop-in session at Rārākau: Riccarton Centre, 199 Clarence St, where people can ask council staff questions about the proposed changes will be held on Tuesday, January 28, from 3-6pm.
