Minister for Transport Paschal Donohoe has said he favours the increased use of a 30km/h speed limit in residential areas in order to safeguard pedestrians and cyclists.
Mr Donohoe yesterday issued a circular to all local authorities requiring an examination of speed limits in residential areas and housing estates to improve road safety for cyclists and pedestrians, and “especially children”.
The circular reiterated existing policy in the area and required local authorities to undertake a review of the current situation to determine whether or not appropriate speed limits are in place.
Mr Donohoe said he sees the increased use of a 30km/h speed limit in residential areas as a measure that will help mitigate the dangers posed.
He said that in order to deal with “excessive speeding” in residential areas, consultation with local residents is to take place in order to determine if they believe speed limits are too high in their areas.
Bye-laws for the new 30 km/h limits for the selected estates and zones are to be adopted where needed, as well as the use of a combination 30 km/h speed limit sign in conjunction with a yellow warning sign showing ‘children at play’ at the entry to a housing estate.
Other traffic calming measures, including the use of ramps, are also to be considered.
“This circular aims to set local authorities on a path to determine whether or not residents feel measures should be adopted to reduce the speeds being reached by motorists driving in and around their local area,” said Mr Donohoe.
“The most important objective is to improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists, and especially children, and the Department sees the increased use of a 30km/h speed limit in residential areas as a measure that will help to achieve that objective.”
