Traffic through the Hataitai shopping centre will need to slow down to 30 kilometres per hour.

Wellington city councillors this morning voted unanimously to reduce the speed limit on sections of Moxham Ave, Waitoa and Hataitai roads and Taurima St from 50kmh to 30kmh.

Today's committee decision will go to a full council meeting for ratification later his month.

The change follows public requests, with 69 per cent of submissions supporting the shift.

Ngaire Best said she only supported speed reductions where there was "clear and demonstrable community support", which there was in this case.

Mayor Celia Wade-Brown said a slower speed would not only make it safer, but also encourage people to "stop, shop and eat" which was vital given the pressure the retail sector was under, "what are we calling it now, 'sustained pressure'".

Some councillors said they supported it, but questioned how effective a speed change would be.

Simon Marsh said "idiots will still be idiots" and drivers, pedestrians and cyclists would all need to exercise personal responsibility as well.

Stephanie Cook said people would be idiots regardless, but that was not a good reason not to introduce policies.