Draft Roading Bylaw 2025
Consultation Outcome
Thanks to everyone who took the time to provide feedback on our draft Roading Bylaw 2025.
We received 26 submissions after a month-long consultation period. Ultimately, it was decided to adopt the bylaw with minor amendments.
The updated Roading Bylaw is based on the 2011 version that has been operating successfully since its inception. Over that time, there have been no substantive issues that have arisen either from its operation or new issues that require better management.
The legal context has changed, which has led to the removal of speed limits and the management of vehicle crossings. The Roading Bylaw 2025 has changed in format, but is effectively a business-as-usual approach to managing roading activities across the Gore District.
You can watch a livestream of the meeting when the bylaw was adopted by clicking on this link.
We are looking for feedback on our draft roading bylaw 2025.
A roading bylaw is a set of rules that helps the Council manage roads, traffic, and parking to keep them safe and accessible for everyone. It ensures that vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians can share the road safely while enabling the Council to respond to local traffic concerns.
The Draft Bylaw 2025 covers:
How vehicles and heavy vehicles should use the roads.
Rules about parking, including for people with mobility or over-80s permits.
Managing livestock movements on roads.
Guidelines for activities like work on the berm (the grass area between the road and the footpath).
The process for getting permits for activities on roads.
Having a clear roading bylaw helps the Council maintain order on the roads, reduce damage to our roads, and make sure traffic rules meet the needs of the community. It also ensures that changes can be made when necessary to improve road safety and accessibility.
What are we proposing to change?
The bylaw has been updated to make it simpler and easier to read. As a part of this process, the bylaw will be:
Vehicle Crossings
In the past, the Bylaw covered vehicle crossings (the parts of the road where property driveways meet the street). Now, this is managed through the Subdivision and Land Development Bylaw 2019 and The Gore District Plan, so we no longer need to mention it in the Roading Bylaw.
Speed Limits
Speed limits are no longer part of the Roading Bylaw. They are now handled nationally through a new rule called the Land Transport Rule: Setting of Speed Limits 2024. If the Council wishes to change speed limits, it is required to create a Speed Management Plan and seek approval from NZTA Waka Kotahi for the changes to be added to the National Speed Limit Register.
Flexible Parking and Traffic Rules
The new Bylaw gives the Council more flexibility to change parking and traffic restrictions. These will now be made through Council resolutions (decisions), which can be updated over time. Don’t worry – you’ll still have a chance to give your feedback before these changes are approved. All changes will be made public at least 14 days before being confirmed.
Heavy Vehicles in Residential Areas
New rules will stop heavy vehicles from driving through residential areas unless they have a good reason (like doing business there). This will help keep our streets safer and quieter.
Simplifying the Bylaw
We’re removing some complicated details from the Bylaw, like exact locations for parking restrictions. Instead, these will be recorded in Council resolutions. This will make the Bylaw shorter and easier to understand while still allowing you to have your say.
Protecting Bridges
We’re making sure that heavy vehicles follow weight limits to protect our bridges from damage. This is important to help keep our infrastructure in good condition.
How to provide feedback
Your feedback matters! Share your views to help ensure our roads are efficient, safe and kept free of damage.
You can give feedback by:
Physical Forms: These can be picked up from the Main office, 29 Bowler Avenue, Gore or the Mataura Service Centre/Library and dropped back off. Or posted to: Roading Bylaw, Gore District Council, P O Box 8, Gore, 9740
What happens after the consultation?
Once the consultation period closes, the council will review and consider all feedback. We’ll then update the bylaw as needed, and the final versions will be presented to the Council for approval at a June council Meeting. We’ll keep you updated on any changes through this page.
