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Tuesday, 24 March 2026

Council seeks feedback on proposed speed limit changes

Community input will help shape a new Speed Management Plan aimed at creating safer streets for all road users.

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Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) is seeking community feedback on proposed speed limit changes across the district. This input will help shape a new Speed Management Plan aimed at creating safer streets for all road users.

QLDC Strategic Asset Manager Alison Tomlinson said the Council is responsible for setting safe and appropriate speed limits on local roads, and people’s safety is a top priority. “Whether you’re driving, walking, cycling or scooting, everyone should be able to get where they’re going safely,” she said. “As our district grows, more people are moving between our towns and communities every day. Our vision is that every person can travel safely and efficiently.”

A small reduction in speed can make a big difference, especially for people walking or cycling, said Ms Tomlinson. Lower speeds reduce both the number and severity of crashes, lowers the social and economic cost of each incident and eases pressure on emergency services.

One of the key proposals in the consultation is reducing the speed limit along Glenorchy-Queenstown Road, from 100km/h to 80km/h. Between 2016 and 2025, 214 crashes occurred along Glenorchy-Queenstown Road, resulting in a social cost* of $49.3 million.

In addition to this, QLDC is proposing 60km/h limits through rural settlements of Glenorchy-Queenstown Road, such as Wilson Bay and Bobs Cove. This proposal is based on community feedback.

Ms Tomlinson said lowering speeds in areas with a history of crashes is a proven way to improve safety. “We know some people may be concerned about travel times, but in most cases the impact is minimal.”

Additional roads with proposed speed limit changes include:

  • 40km/h in new residential development areas 

  • 50km/h in urban fringe areas including Domain Road and Cemetery Road in Lake Hāwea

  • 80km/h for roads that cater for multiple modes of transport or are popular tourist routes, such as Malaghans Road 

  • 10km/h in Queenstown Town Centre shared spaces to give equal priority to all users

  • 60km/h in areas with known safety concerns, such as Windmill Corner in Hāwea Flat – another community driven request.

A full list of roads and an online map is available as part of the submission process, allowing users to view proposed changes and provide feedback directly. Consultation closes on 10 May 2026.

Submissions will inform the Speed Management Plan, which will go to Council for adoption in mid‑2026.

*Source: https://www.transport.govt.nz/area-of-interest/safety/social-cost-of-road-crashes-and-injuries

ENDS | KUA MUTU

Media contact

communications@qldc.govt.nz 

TEL: 03 441 1802

FURTHER INFORMATION | KĀ PĀROKO TĀPIRI

For more information, including a full list of roads with proposed speed limit changes, visit https://letstalk.qldc.govt.nz/safer-speeds-2026