Christchurch City Council is once again seeking public feedback on proposed speed limit changes around One New Zealand Stadium at Te Kaha.
The council had previously approved lower speed limits on several streets surrounding the stadium, which were set to take effect once nearby water and roading upgrades were completed. However, those changes can no longer proceed due to a new Government rule.
The Land Transport Rule: Setting of Speed Limits 2024, which came into force after the council’s decision, overrides approvals made under the previous regulation. As a result, the council is reconsulting on a revised set of speed limits that comply with the updated rule. Consultation is open until Wednesday 9 July.
Under the original plan, many streets were set to have a 30 km/h limit. However, the new rule does not allow 30 km/h permanent speed limits on urban roads. The council is now proposing 40 km/h limits instead.
The affected streets include:
- Madras Street (Moorhouse to Hereford): from 30 km/h to 40 km/h
- Tuam Street (Madras to Fitzgerald): from 30 km/h to 40 km/h
- Lichfield Street (Barbadoes to Fitzgerald): from 30 km/h to 40 km/h
- Duke Street (Tuam to Lichfield): from 30 km/h to 40 km/h
- Hereford Street (across Latimer Square): from 30 km/h to 40 km/h
- St Asaph Street (Ferry to Madras): from 30 km/h to 40 km/h
Lichfield Street (Madras to Manchester) will retain its proposed 10 km/h limit, as it has been redeveloped into a civic space similar to the area outside Te Pae Convention Centre. The shared space will accommodate trams, vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians, and the slower speed is designed to improve safety, especially during large events.
The council is also considering lowering the speed on Barbadoes Street (between Hereford and Tuam) from 50 km/h to 40 km/h to create a consistent speed environment around the stadium.
In addition to the stadium area changes, the new Government rule requires the council to reverse permanent speed reductions on seven specified roads by 1 July 2025. It also mandates the implementation of 30 km/h variable speed zones outside schools by 1 July 2026.
