Residents around Lyttelton Harbour have put their own money towards a planned camera trial to measure vehicle speeds and noise, following years of concerns about disturbance and road safety.

The community-led Quieter & Safer Roads initiative is working towards a four-week trial using a camera at four locations around the harbour.

Quieter & Safer Roads representative Dave Dunlay said community fundraising had helped move the project towards gathering evidence.

“Many have told us they want to see something done, and they have now backed that desire with their own money.”

The team is working with Vision Intelligence and technical specialists to arrange a camera to collect speed data, alongside a specialist audio attachment to measure and record vehicle noise.

The camera will not issue fines. Instead, the results will be used to build a clearer picture of local conditions and inform discussions with Police, Christchurch City Council and NZ Transport Agency.

Dunlay said the aim was to establish a baseline of vehicle speeds and noise levels, with the findings to be shared publicly and provided to the relevant authorities.

“For many people living around Lyttelton Harbour, this is not a new or occasional problem. It has been a source of frustration and disruption for years, affecting the enjoyment of their homes and communities, as well as their sense of safety on local roads.”

He said authorities had been made aware of residents’ concerns, but progress required a coordinated approach involving the community, Police, NZTA and the council.

“This trial is a community-led initiative designed to contribute useful evidence to that process. It is not about pointing fingers or seeking to penalise individual drivers.”

The team is aiming to launch the trial in mid-November, subject to confirming camera availability, suitable locations, sound measurement equipment and the necessary permissions.

Once the trial is complete and the data has been collated, organisers intend to share the findings with residents and stakeholders to support discussions about potential solutions.