​Targeted Speed Limit Changes Underway Across Central Otago

Speed limit changes are being rolled out across the Central Otago roading network, following Council approval on 24 September 2025.

The changes focus on locations where safety concerns have been identified through community requests and service feedback, and where the existing speed limits no longer align with the current road environment and surrounding land use.

The programme reflects a move away from “blanket” speed reductions and toward smarter, evidence-informed settings.

CODC Group Manager - Infrastructure, Planning and Regulatory, Quinton Penniall said, “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.”

Consultation on the proposed changes ran from 27 June to 10 August 2025, in accordance with the Land Transport Rule: Setting of Speed Limits 2024. Council received 129 submissions, which were reviewed in full and helped refine the final decisions.

“As a result of feedback, Council extended the proposed 30km/h heritage precinct area in St Bathans and made a small adjustment to the length of the Racecourse Road change at Omakau School to improve clarity and reduce driver confusion,” Mr Penniall said.

Speed limit changes are coming into force as road signage is installed. The changes include reductions in rural, residential, and high-activity areas, alongside two short sections being returned to 100km/h where the road environment supports safer travel at higher speeds.

Key locations include:

• Cromwell / Bannockburn / Pisa Moorings
  • Bannockburn Road, Pearson Road and Sandflat Road: 100 → 80km/h
  • Quartzville Road, Schoolhouse Road, Gully Road, Jocelyn Road and Clark Road: 100 → 60km/h
  • Pisa Moorings neighbourhood streets without footpaths: 50 → 40km/h
  • Cemetery Road: 70 → 50km/h (SH6 to Chardonnay Street)
• Tarras area (SH8 connections)
  • Munro Lane, Jolly Road, Church Lane: 100 → 80km/h
• Clyde
  • Sunderland Street, Hospital Street, Mutton Town Road: moving to 50km/h to reflect the urban street environment and hospital-related activity
• Omakau
  • Racecourse Road (near Omakau School variable zone end): 100 → 50km/h (shortened by 95 metres from the draft proposal)
• Ranfurly and Earnscleugh (speeds increased to match land use)
  • Ranfurly–Patearoa Road (165m section): 50 → 100km/h
  • Earnscleugh Road (155m section): 50 → 100km/h
• St Bathans / Cambrian
  • St Bathans Loop Road (heritage precinct): 50 → 30km/h
  • Cross Street and part of St Bathans Downs Road: 50 → 30km/h
  • Cambrian Road: 100 → 30km/h
  • Additional St Bathans approach sections: 100 → 60km/h

You can view the full list of changes here: Let’s Talk