With just a week left for people to give feedback on Central Otago District Council’s Proposed Speed Limits Bylaw, less than 100 people have taken up the opportunity to have their say.
New speed limits are proposed for 70 roads, parts of roads, or areas in the Central Otago district. This includes residential zones, rural roads and town centres.
Central Otago Mayor Tim Cadogan said it was a surprisingly disappointing response to date, given how engaged Central Otago had been in recent consultations such as the Long-term Plan and the Waste Review.
He encouraged everyone to use this week to find out more about what the changes were, why they are proposed, and give feedback via the official form that can be found online or at Council service centres and libraries.
“There isn’t a single person in the district who won’t be affected by the proposed changes in this consultation; that’s why it is really important that we hear from as many people as possible.
“Even if you’re not a driver, you might be a cyclist, a pedestrian, or you’re probably a passenger. This is going to affect all of us and we really want to know what you think. This is all about safety.”
“If you go into the consultation documents and wonder why ‘such and such’ street or road isn’t there, then let us know; or if you think ‘that’s a stupid thing to do, don’t change that road’, tell us, we need to know. Equally if you support the proposal and see changes in there that you or your community have been calling for to improve safety around where you work, live or play, then please make a submission to tell us you agree.”
Mayor Cadogan added that while there had been a lot of Facebook traffic on the topic, a comment on a Facebook post did not equate to a submission so he urged people to go that step further and complete a submission.
Councillor Tamah Alley lent her voice to the campaign to hear from the community about the Speed Limits, adding that speed limits were “not just about how fast or slow cars can travel”.
“Some areas have experienced significant growth in previous years, which changes the way walkers, bikers or riders interact and enjoy spaces, as well as traffic movements.
She invited people to “look to see if any roads you and your family travel are on the list for change and send Council your feedback”.
The proposed bylaw, statement of proposal, and maps outlining current and proposed speed limit changes are all available on Council’s Let’s Talk Kōrero Mai engagement hub at https://lets-talk.codc.govt.nz or on request from any Council service centre.
Feedback closes on Tuesday 12 April 2022.
