New speed bumps on busy Wānaka streets have caused near misses and confusion, but Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) says they are working as intended.

QLDC roading engineers have received at least 15 complaints about the new speed bumps feeding onto Anderson Road, citing the hazards of cars slowing for the bumps impeding other traffic and the increased risk of crashes as Anderson Road is blocked by stopped traffic. 

A number of complainants said they had witnessed multiple near misses at the sites, including when cyclists and pedestrians have mistaken the bumps for a pedestrian crossing and assumed they have right of way.

“The new pin-on speed humps at the end of Mt Iron Drive and Wilkin Road meet the standards set by Waka Kotahi NZTA,” QLDC spokesperson Sam White told the Wānaka App.

QLDC installed the speed bumps recently to slow traffic down as it approaches the new priority active travel/vehicle route on Anderson Road. 

“We have received feedback via QLDC Customer Services that indicates the speed humps are having the desired effect of slowing vehicles down at these intersections, thereby increasing safety for all road users,” Sam said.

“We acknowledge feedback to date has been mainly negative from motorists,” he said. 

“This is not unexpected in cases like this when speed-related infrastructure changes what drivers are used to.”

The following standard council response was provided to the complaints: “These new pin-on speed humps were constructed under the Anderson Rd active travel path project scope which is due for completion in October 2023. Some aspects of this project, including the pin-on speed hump treatments are temporary in nature due to future water main works along Anderson Road. The speed humps have been chosen to slow vehicle speeds and ensure the safety of pedestrians using the crossing points.”

While the speed bumps are an interim measure, Sam acknowledged they are likely to remain in place for a few years.

PHOTOS: Wānaka App