Speed limit to be dropped in St Ives town centre after spike in car crashes
A plan to put the red light on speeding is set to be rolled out in the St Ives town centre with measures including 40kmh limits, “speed cushions” and pedestrian refuges
North Shore
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Motorists are set to be slowed to 40kmh in the St Ives town centre in a move to put the break on lead-footed drivers and improve pedestrian safety.
A spike in car collisions and rising foot traffic in the area has resulted in Roads and Maritime Services supporting slashing the 50kmh speed limits on streets north of the St Ives Shopping Village and main bus interchange.
The new zones would apply to Cowan Rd, Memorial Ave and Village Green Parade with measures including “traffic calming” devices, pedestrian refuges, new signage and “speed cushions”.
Thirteen parking spots would be removed to make way for the works which would also include a new roundabout at the intersection of Cowan Rd and Village Green Pde.
The plans come after a rise in reported car crashes in the area resulted in seven injuries in the last four years.
St Ives ward councillor Martin Smith hopes the move curbs driver impatience on the road.
“Speeding and cars running through the area has become a growing problem in the area — a lot of people want to be places but when it comes to safety the reduced limit can only be a positive thing,” he said.
“As the population is increasing, there are more cars on the road and more dangers and threats to pedestrians.
“I understand it’s going to slow people down but for the chance of avoiding a person being injured I think it will be a good thing.”
Early feedback showed 69 per cent support for the changes among residents and shop owners on Cowan Rd and 75 per cent support on Memorial Ave.
Mr Latham said road safety measures in the area should focus on the narrowness of Cowan Rd due to on-street car parking.
Kevin Latham — the president of the 1200-member St Ives Bowling Club, which backs on to the area — questioned if motorists would abide by the measures.
“At the moment very few drivers pays attention to the 50kmh hour limits,” he said.
The works are due to be completed by June next year, pending final approval from RMS. and will cost $424,000.