Frequently asked Questions

I am concerned about traffic safety on my street.

If your concerns involve a specific driver, call the police on *555. You will need to supply the registration number of the offending vehicle. If your problem is about other driver behaviour, please fill in this online form, and we will get onto it ASAP.

How accurate are these electronic speed feedback signs?

They are very accurate to within 0.3%. Most speedometers on vehicles will show a higher speed than the actual speed. It is a required safety feature so that drivers are not misled by inaccurate speed readings when driving on public roads.

I want to report something to Council or NZTA.

Register a free account with Snap Send Solve https://www.snapsendsolve.com/new-zealand/ or download the App on Google Play or Apple App. Once you have registered successfully, you can report various issues online.

How to pay for parking without using cash?

Timaru District Council offers an online system that allows you to pay for your parking by phone. https://www.paymypark.com/. All you need to do is download the PayMyPark App on Google Play or App Store, Register your details, add your payment method and you can pay or extend your parking time remotely.

Is my street too narrow for traffic to pass safely?

It may seem to be narrow, but in fact, it’s wide enough. People do not want vehicles to go fast in residential areas where kids may be playing on footpaths etc. The only way to reduce the speed is to narrow the lanes so that we get the “side friction” that naturally makes drivers go slower because the space seems to be tight. As shown, there are still plenty of space for even large vehicles to come through with ease.

What does merge like a zip mean?

It means that drivers on either lane must merge by using the following rules:

1. The vehicle that is the furthest ahead in the queue goes first – regardless of the sign or lane position
2. The driver who is second should adjust speed to let the first vehicle in
3. Then all vehicles behind must do the same to let one vehicle in each lane get in.
4. When merging with trucks, give them enough space to get in.

What is the meaning of the yellow diamond marking?

It indicates a ‘clear zone’ where vehicles should not stop. If there is no space for your vehicle on the other side of the marking, you should not drive onto the yellow block. This marking is used at intersections where a side entrance or road is very close to the main intersection. There may be vehicles wanting to turn right from the side road and if vehicles stop on the yellow block, would impede traffic flow.

Do all school zones in South Canterbury have a 40km/h speed limit?

No – the only school zone sign that has a 40km/h speed limit, is on Craigie Avenue (SH1) past Timaru South School.

All other school zones have a maximum speed limit of 50km/h but the only difference is that the speed enforcement tolerance is less – 4km/h. So you could be ticketed if your speed is above 54km/h.

Why do slower drivers speed up at passing lanes?

Research suggests it is because the road becomes wider and those drivers feel more confident to go faster on the two lanes. Sometimes it may be intentional, but in most cases, it will be unintentional.

I have some concerns about road safety issues. Who should I speak to about it?

For Timaru, Waimate, or Mackenzie Districts call Daniel Naudé (03) 687 7235.

For Ashburton District call Martin Lo (03) 307 7766