Dear Selwyn District Council,

 

Subject: Petition to Improve Road Safety Between Lincoln and Christchurch and Lincoln and Rolleston and all around Selwyn.

 

We, the undersigned, are writing to express our urgent concern regarding the current state of Selwyn roads, particularly between Lincoln and Christchurch, and Lincoln and Rolleston. Over the past 6 years, there have been 78 serious accidents and 10 fatalities on these roads. The Lincoln Volunteer Fire Brigade alone has attended 164 motor vehicle crashes in the last 4 years. The Lincoln Community has experienced exponential growth over the past decade and is about to virtually double in size again resulting in increased traffic that these roads are no longer fit to accommodate safely.

It is evident that basic safety measures and maintenance could significantly reduce the number of accidents. Specifically, the following issues need immediate attention:

1. **Inadequate Road Safety Measures** We propose the installation of flashing stop signs at all major junctions. These signs are proven to draw drivers' attention more effectively than standard stop signs, particularly at night or during adverse weather conditions. Statistics show that this will reduce the number of fatalities and injuries significantly.

2. **Reduce Speeds** Implementing speed bumps or rumble strips before the stop signs can help reduce vehicle speed, ensuring drivers approach these intersections with caution.

3. **Safety Around Schools** Lincoln township needs safer routes for children getting to school. The Lincoln Town Upgrade including cycle path and pedestrian traffic lights needs to be started now. 

4. **Poor Visibility**: There is a concerning lack of maintenance on the surrounding trees and bushes, which obstructs drivers' views of oncoming traffic. Regular trimming and maintenance of these areas are essential to improve visibility and safety.

The council has a fundamental obligation to ensure the safety of its residents and road users. Unfortunately, the current state of the roads between Lincoln and Christchurch does not meet this obligation. Immediate action is required to prevent further accidents and fatalities. This is a ‘must have’ not a ‘nice to have.’ ‘

’Road crashes are not accidents; they are devastating and preventable events, not chance mishaps. Calling them accidents undermines the work to make the roads safer and can cause insult to families whose lives have been torn apart by needless casualties.’ Brake - National Road Safety Charity.

We kindly request that the Selwyn District Council take the following actions:

1. Install flashing stop signs at all major intersections.

2. Implement speed bumps/ rumble strips before stop signs at all proven dangerous intersections.

3. Carry out the Lincoln Town Plan for Gerald Street, which is already 8+ years over due.

4. Ensure regular maintenance of trees and bushes to improve visibility.

By addressing these concerns, the council will significantly enhance road safety and protect the lives of those who travel these roads daily including our children before more people are unnecessarily killed or seriously injured.

We appreciate your prompt attention to this matter and look forward to your positive response.

Sincerely Lincoln/ Selwyn Residents and Road Users.