New Traffic Signal to be switched on

A new roadside sign to remind drivers to slow down at an area considered a dangerous road hotspot will be switched on for the first time this week.


It is the first of two new signals to be activated in the city, and will be set up on Centaurus Road, with the second to follow shortly on Cashmere Road.


After extensively researching products on the market earlier in the year, the Christchurch City Council and the Accident Compensation Commission (ACC) decided on the use of an electronic sign which will detect the speed a motorist is travelling. The sign will flash both the drivers speed and a variable message to tell them to slow down or change their driving behaviour.


Council traffic engineer Vaughan Penney says “One of the main advantages vehicle activated signs have over static signs is the impact the sudden bright illuminating display has on motorists. Drivers can be oblivious to the fact they are exceeding the speed limit, however when a bright light suddenly flashes in their view, it grabs their attention”.


Another advantage is that compared to other traffic calming devices such as road humps and static signs, vehicle activated signs are a very cost competitive option.


Both areas at Centaurus Road and Cashmere Road have been identified as having a high number of crash injuries and therefore this trial is set to determine if these road signs can help reduce the number of road related injuries in the area. Both speed and crash data will be collected after the signs installation and if an impact has been made, then more signs will be installed at other sites identified as dangerous road hotspots around Christchurch.


The first of the signs is to be switched on in Centaurus Rd near to the Hillsborough Terrace intersection at 2.00pm on Friday 30 November.