Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) says an upcoming speed management review will give Hāwea Flat residents who are concerned about safety on Windmill Corner the opportunity to advocate for a speed limit reduction.

The 100kph speed limit at Windmill Corner on Kane Road has been the source of safety complaints for many years as well as near misses and crashes, and QLDC has been criticised for a lack of action.

The issue was highlighted last month when resident Susan Allison decided to close her free community ‘Sharing Shed’ on the corner because of people parking on the road, which she thought was a danger with the fast-moving traffic.

QLDC media and channels advisor Sam White said Windmill Corner is currently being reviewed as part of the speed management plan.

“Once public consultation on the district-wide speed management plan begins, the community will have an additional opportunity to provide feedback on this topic,” he said. 

In 2016 the QLDC told the Wānaka App the council may review the speed limit there following an NZTA review of speed limits.

Read more: Traffic speed a concern for growing community

Over the past few years, QLDC has received six ‘requests for service’ (RFS) from members of the public relating to Windmill Corner and Sam said this was the best method for approaching council with safety concerns.

“Members of our roading team have previously met members of the community on site, provided data on speed count and crash history for this section of road, and shared information around the process and timeline for changing speed limits,” he said.

“We’ve also actioned a number of other measures including requesting that buses stop performing U-turns in this location and cut-back vegetation encroaching the road reserve that could potentially restrict a driver’s view.”

The current signage at Windmill Corner (curve advisory signs, chevron boards and advisory curve speed signs of 75kph) is in line with national guidelines set by Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency, he said. 

“Signage to support any speed changes would be part of the final [speed management plan],” he said. 

“Any additional signage would be considered by council’s property and infrastructure operations team.”

Dates for the commencement of public consultation on the speed management review will be made public in the coming months.

PHOTO: Wānaka App