“This is obviously a pressure point for our community.” Results from the unscientific poll indicated there was significant support for reinstating the 70kmh limit, with an estimated 95 to 98 per cent of the 5000 votes in favour. Harris said changing the limit back was just common sense. “I would never argue about safety, but that’s not the issue,” he said. “They should have listened to the voice of the public to begin with.” Harris met with Doocey before Christmas and a petition has now been launched to try reverse the council’s decision. Doocey said: “It is clear from the overwhelming response that people are frustrated and want the speed limit to be reinstated to 70kmh on Marshland Rd.”
“I was absolutely overwhelmed by the number of responses to my online poll,” he said. “My offices are often barometers of how residents feel on issues . it’s clear from the overwhelming response that people are frustrated and want some action.” Doocey said he would be meeting with some concerned residents this week to discuss the next steps. The decision was made by the Christchurch City Council after it identified Marshland, Spencerville, Kainga and Mairehau roads as high risk with unacceptable crash records. Across the whole area there were four fatal, 28 serious, 77 minor and 155 non–injury crashes between 2013 and 2017.
CHRIS SKELTON/Stuff