The recent change in speed limits on Great North Road (SH3) by NZTA (from open road speed limit to 80km/h north of Tirimoana Place and from from 70km/h to 50 km/h south of Tirimoana Place) has highlighted the current 100km/h open road speed limit on Pickwick Road and Dickens Lane. Council has reviewed the speed limits and considers that lowering the permanent speed limit on these four local roads to 50 km/h would provide a speed limit that is safer and more appropriate for the local road environment of the area.
Pre-consultation with residents
As part of pre-consultation residents in the affected streets were sent letters inviting theme to provide feedback on the proposed reduction in speed limit.
Pickwick Road and Dickens Lane
All but one respondent (31) supported a reduction in speed limits with 16 seeking a maximum speed limit of 50km/h and three sought a speed limit of 40km/h. Reasons for seeking the reduction included safety, the narrow and winding nature of roads and inability of cars to safely pass at the current speed limit.
Mannington Road and Kingston Way
Nineteen residents supported the reduction in speed limit to 50km/h while six opposed the change. Of those that opposed two sought a speed limit of 60km/h and one sought a speed limit of 40km/h. Reasons for supporting the reduction included consistency, safety and the character of the roads as residential streets. Of those that wished to retain a higher speed limit, a number commented that the existing speed limit was appropriate with no accidents.