Napier speed limits under the spotlight

Speed limits outside Nelson Park School, Kennedy Rd, could lowered to 30km/h during school drop off and pick up times. Photo / Duncan Brown

A Napier City Council speed limits bylaw programme, which is now in the review stage through until March 1 when formal submissions will close off, is likely to see school zones across the city reduced to a 30km/h limit.

In terms of child safety that was a very positive thing, Napier Intermediate principal Wendy Gray said, but one factor needed to be considered.

"Enforcing it — that is the big question," she said.

Slower speeds around schools, when pupils were arriving and leaving, was a good thing as if there was an incident the slower a vehicle was going there was less chance of serious damage occurring.

"It is a very good idea — I worry about Kennedy Rd," Gray said.

"They need to put something up when school is coming and going."

However, she said 30km/h limit signage would only be effective if it could be enforced.

Another target of the submission process draft plan is Napier Hill where it has been proposed to introduce a 40km/h limit across its roads.

Irene Prasad who is co-owner of Shakespeare Rd Mini Market said creating more zebra crossings, especially in spots where schoolchildren need to cross, would be more effective than a blanket speed reduction.

"It [speeding] has not been too bad, although it was bad when we came here 16 years ago — it has got better."

She said the intersection they were situated on with Coote Rd, could be bad at times but she believed for the safety of people crossing, well-signposted crossings would be as effective, or even more effective, than speed reductions.

A long-term Milton Rd resident said the narrowness of most hill roads reduced speeds on their own but said any moves toward increasing safety would be welcomed.

The council's public consultation process involves more than 40 proposed changes across urban streets, semi-urban roads and popular commuter routes.

Marine Parade is also in the picture with the stretch from Vautier St to Coote Rd being considered as a 30km/h zone.

Council received 2630 responses to an informal survey and is now going through a formal consolation process.

Team leader transportation Robin Malley asked that people making a submission have "a good read" of the Draft Statement of Proposal and Draft Bylaw first before commenting.

They are available to view at the Customer Service Centre and Napier Library which were offering free internet access for people to access the online submission form.

Formal submissions can be made online at www.sayitnapier.nz, or emailed to speedlimits@napier.govt.nz or posted to Speed Limits Bylaw, Infrastructure Services, Napier City Council, Private Bag 6010, Napier 4142.