Limerick City Council looks to reduce speed limits
LIMERICK City Council is to launch a study into how suitable it is to reduce speed limits in housing estates to 30 kilometres per hour.
This comes after Labour councillor Gerry McLoughlin lodged a notice of motion calling for the immediate reduction on residential roads.
Currently, the speed limits on roads in the city is 50 kilometres per hour.
In order to make the reduction, an amendment to existing bye-laws would have to be made - and would also have to be approved by An Garda Siochanna.
Cllr McLoughlin pointed out that as councillors, they should be looking at safety first, and noted at rush hour times, kids are playing around, and are in danger from speeding cars.
Fine Gael city south councillor Diarmuid Scully backed the motion - but pointed out he had attempted to introduce similar legislation ten years ago.
He said: “When someone is driving at 50 kilometres per hour, and someone is driving at 30 kilometres per hour, the difference in survival rates is massive.”
Sgt Peter Kelly, of Henry Street garda station also backed the idea, saying the force is constantly looking at ways to reduce speeding, including installing ramps and traffic islands in estates.
David Keane, acting director of service, in City Council’s transport department, wrote in a report to members that he is: “satisfied the provision of 30km/h speed limits in some residential areas would be warranted on road safety grounds, and would be wholly supportive of same.”
He proposed: “The recommendation of this report is that Limerick City Council’s Traffic Department initiate under the Smarter Travel Scheme an investigation of suitability, viability and costs of 30 km/h speed limits in residential areas in Limerick City, and report to this committee.”
Cllr McLoughlin’s motion was proposed by Cllr Scully, and seconded by Cllr Maria Byrne.
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Friday 24 May 2013
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