One day soon, when you jump in the car to go to work, school or anywhere else around Cromwell, Alexandra, Clyde, Ranfurly or Roxburgh, chances are the road taking you there will have a new, slower legal speed limit.

On one Central Otago road, however, there’s a small stretch where you will be able to go faster than before.

Limits are set to reduce on 69 roads across Central Otago and while plenty of motorists have taken the opportunity to protest on social media, the Central Otago District Council say they’d be better off telling them any thoughts on the issue.

The changes are not set in concrete yet and there’s still room for maneuver, but with just a week left to give feedback on the Proposed Speed Limits Bylaw, less than 100 people have taken up the opportunity to have their say.

In a council media statement, 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.

CODC Mayor Tim Cadogan wonders why the usually-forthcoming people of Central haven’t given more feedback on a current roading proposal that will be wide-reaching.

“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 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 you or your community have been calling for to improve safety around where you work, live or play, please make a submission to tell us you agree.” 

Mayor Tim said 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 they 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 changes only cover roads managed and maintained by the council.

This excludes state highways, which are looked after by Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency.

CODC say 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.

Feedback closes on Tuesday 12 April 2022 and if necessary, a hearing could be scheduled next month, before the council review the changes this winter.

No implementation date had been set.