Plans for a safer Queen Street

Auckland City Council's Transport Committee has endorsed a proposal to reduce Queen Street's current 50km/h speed limit to 30km/h.

Transport Committee chairperson Ken Baguley says reducing the speed limit, and improving compliance by motorists, will help reduce the severity of injuries to pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists when involved in crashes.

"The relationship between speed and injury severity is particularly critical for pedestrians and cyclists. Crashes may still occur, but at lower vehicle speeds these vulnerable road users have a much better chance of walking away unharmed."

Key improvements completed as part of the Queen Street upgrade include three new pedestrian crossings, widened footpaths and improved signal phasing. These have already created a safer environment for pedestrians and a reduced speed limit would further enhance this.

"The average vehicle speed on Queen Street is currently close to 30km/h. The proposal to formally reduce the speed limit is not expected to have any appreciable adverse impact on Queen Street businesses and retailers, journey times, vehicle emissions, or the quality and frequency of passenger transport services," says Councillor Baguley.

"Reducing the speed limit will also allow New Zealand Police to enforce the speed limit, particularly where undesirable driver behaviour occurs."

The proposed 30km/h speed limit would operate on Queen Street between Mayoral Drive and Customs Street.

Aucklanders will have an opportunity to comment on the proposal in the coming weeks. The Transport Committee will consider all feedback before making a final decision.