Councils Reveal Alarming Staff Speeding Violations

• Gore District Council had 165 speeding incidents exceeding 10 km/h over the limit in six months.
• Invercargill and Southland councils also reported drivers exceeding limits by at least 40 km/h.
• Over 1400 speeding incidents recorded across three councils in the same period.

A driver of a Gore District Council vehicle clocked at 145 km/h might never have been identified due to a lack of tracking systems. The incident was part of 165 speeding violations recorded over a six-month period, where speeds exceeded the limit by 10 km/h or more.

A Gore District Council spokesperson admitted that its pool vehicles lack a system to log drivers. “However, if we become aware of an overspeed, and can identify the driver, then a conversation is had with them in the first instance, and if it continues, further action can be taken.” The council did not comment on whether the driver in question was identified, citing employment matters.

Invercargill City Council reported 633 incidents during the same period, with the highest speed logged at 41 km/h over the limit. Group manager of finance and assurance Patricia Christie explained the council's focus on educating staff before pursuing disciplinary action.

Meanwhile, Southland District Council recorded 615 speeding incidents involving speeds 10 km/h or more over the limit. Two incidents involved vehicles travelling 40 km/h over the limit near town entrances. The maximum speed was 131 km/h, sustained for 29 seconds during what a spokesperson described as an "overtaking manoeuvre." No disciplinary actions have been taken, but discussions with staff have occurred.

Environment Southland also highlighted speeding concerns. In a report covering three months to June, 856 incidents were recorded, with the highest speed reaching 126 km/h.

Separately, Environment Canterbury’s handling of repeated speeding incidents by its former chairperson Peter Scott has drawn criticism. Scott recorded 678 speeding violations in a council-provided car since January, with a top speed of 157 km/h. The organisation admitted to failing to address the matter appropriately before Scott stepped down.

The councils’ data collectively reveal a troubling trend of staff failing to adhere to speed limits, prompting calls for stricter monitoring and accountability measures.