Council’s speed limit trials unenforceable

THE Queenstown Lakes District Council has admitted it made a blunder when installing temporary speed limits around the district in the past year, as the changes do not comply with the law and cannot be enforced by the police.

Last week, the council announced it was trialling reduced speed limits in central Wanaka, in an attempt to create a more pedestrian friendly environment, in a similar vein to what it introduced in Arrowtown last year.

However, while the signs were installed in Wanaka, tape covered the 30kmh numbers for well over a week.

In a statement released on Waitangi Day, the council said it had been advised ‘‘there is no provision in the relevant legislation to trial speed changes’’ and ‘‘any change requires full notification consultation and submission’’.

‘‘We have also been informed that these speed limits are not enforceable by NZ Police. As a result, we have reverted back to the original speed limits for these locations in Arrowtown and Wanaka,’’ the statement said.

The council had not responded by 5pm on Thursday to questions asked by the Otago Daily Times regarding which legislation the changes were violating, but it is understood to be the Land Transport Rules, part of the Land Transport Act.

The rules state that while road controlling authorities such as councils can set temporary speed limits, they can do so only if physical work is occurring on, or near, a road in a way that impacts the function of the road; where there is an unsafe road surface or structure present; or where there is a special event.

The new signs were removed this week and the council had not responded by Thursday to a question about whether the construction and deconstruction of the signs would cost ratepayers.