Motorists across Central Otago are being reminded to check speed limits, with a series of recent changes now in effect on roads in Cromwell, Bannockburn, Pisa Moorings, Clyde, Omakau, Ranfurly and St Bathans.

Central Otago District Council (CODC) issued a reminder on Wednesday (December 10) following ongoing online chatter from drivers who say they have been caught out by the new limits.

Among the most significant changes for drivers in and around Cromwell, Bannockburn Road, Pearson Road and Sandflat Road have dropped from 100 kilometres per hour to 80, while neighbourhood streets in Pisa Moorings without footpaths are now 40 kilometres per hour, down from 50.

Approaching Cromwell’s growing industrial area, Cemetery Road - between State Highway 6 and Chardonnay Street - has reduced from 70 kilometres per hour to 50.

Near Omakau School, Racecourse Road has dropped sharply from 100 kilometres per hour to 50 at the end of the school’s variable speed zone, while in St Bathans the heritage precinct and Loop Road are now 30 kilometres per hour, down from 50. Cross Street and part of St Bathans Downs Road have also reduced to 30 kilometres per hour.

Cambrian Road has seen one of the largest changes, dropping from 100 kilometres per hour to 30, with additional sections on the approach to St Bathans reduced from 100 kilometres per hour to 60.

Not all changes involve reductions. Short sections of Ranfurly–Patearoa Road and Earnscleugh Road have increased from 50 kilometres per hour to 100, where council says the road environment supports higher travel speeds.

The speed limit changes were approved by council on September 24 and followed public consultation earlier this year attracting 129 submissions.

CODC group manager of infrastructure, planning and regulatory services Quinton Penniall said the changes were targeted rather than “blanket” reductions.

“Central Otago is a large, varied road network. Infrastructure upgrades aren’t always practical or cost-effective, so setting the right speed limit for each road is one of the most effective tools we have to reduce harm,” he said.

Quinton said feedback had led to some refinements, including extending the proposed 30 kilometre per hour heritage precinct in St Bathans and adjusting the length of the Racecourse Road change near Omakau School “to improve clarity and reduce driver confusion”.

New signage has been installed, and a full list of changes is available on the council’s Let’s Talk webpage.