Scholarship planned in wake of boy’s death The Selwyn District Council is proposing to drop Leeston Rd between Springston and Leeston from 100km/h to 80km/h as part of a wider review of 41 speed limits across the district, with public consultation opening today. Council head of operational delivery Gareth Morgan said in a briefing to councillors the road’s speed limit was last reviewed in about 2018, but community opposition saw it remain at 100km/h. When the council consulted on wider speed changes across the district
last year, most proposals were again opposed. However, the council progressed with some changes anyway, after the majority of feedback came from people who did not live on the affected roads. Morgan said ultimately it was up to councillors to decide how they weighed up community feedback. The consultation follows Road Safety Week, which last week remembered the 261 people who died or were seriously injured in crashes across the greater Canterbury region last year. Council executive director infrastructure and property Tim Mason said updating
speed limits in the right places helps keep people safer. “This proposal is about making sure we are keeping safe speeds up to date as road use changes and responding to requests from our community.’’ He said each proposed change was supported by data assessing safety benefits, travel times and costs. “Sensible speed limits that reflect the way the roads are used help keep traffic flowing and are one of the most effective tools we have to reduce harm.” Feedback will help shape a final
proposal before it goes to council and then NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi for approval. Consultation runs for six weeks, closing at 5pm on Monday, June 22.
Selwyn District Council, Leeston Rd, speed limit consultation, Road Safety Week, NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, traffic safety