Speed limits will be lowered on seven stretches of Canterbury state highways following public consultation earlier this year.

NZ Transport Agency has approved targeted changes in Amberley, Rolleston, Sheffield, Kirwee, Halswell and Temuka.

The changes are:

• SH1 south of Amberley: 80km/h to 60km/h over 900 metres
• SH1 south of Rolleston: 100km/h to 80km/h over 2.64 kilometres
• SH73 through Sheffield: 70km/h to 50km/h over 1.25 kilometres
• SH73 through Kirwee: 70km/h to 50km/h over 920 metres
• SH75 at the northern end of Halswell: 60km/h to 50km/h over 870 metres
• SH1 north of Temuka: 70km/h to 50km/h over 800 metres
• SH1 south of Temuka: 80km/h to 60km/h over 2.24 kilometres

NZTA said the reductions reflected road improvements, changing land use and road environments, and significant safety concerns.

The proposals were open for consultation from January 22 to March 6 as part of a wider group of speed limit reviews across Canterbury, the West Coast and Southland.

Common concerns raised during consultation included safety and access at intersections and side roads, growing local activity and development, and a preference for consistent speed limits along connected routes.

Community feedback also prompted the approved Temuka changes to be extended.

The reduced speed limits will cover key intersections north of the town and the narrow Opihi River Bridge to the south, following consideration of submissions and technical assessments.

The new limits are expected to take effect between late 2026 and early 2027.

They will become legally enforceable once new signs have been installed and uncovered. Existing speed limits will remain in force until then.

Separate reviews for an intersection speed zone on SH8 at the Aoraki/Mount Cook turn-off, a variable speed limit on SH1 near Hakatere Marae and Fairfield Road West, and SH1 south of Glenavy are still being assessed.

Final decisions on those proposals are expected during the first half of 2027.