‘Slow zones’ to be rolled out across Cork city to reduce road accidents

A RAFT of additional 30km/h ‘slow zones’ look set to be rolled out across the city in a bid to reduce the incidence and severity of road traffic collisions.

Cork City Council has this week published proposed new speed limit bylaws for public consultation, which includes the proposed installation of further 30km/h slow zones at various locations in the city.

Currently, a built-up area, as defined in the Local Government Act 2001, has a default speed limit of 50km/h, as set out in Section 5 of the Road Traffic Act 2004.

This default speed limit applies for all non-national roads within the city administrative area, except where a special speed limit has been introduced.

A report to councillors back in January stated that the goal of a ‘slow zone’ is to lower the incidence and severity of crashes and to enhance quality of life.

Such zones are established in self-contained areas that consist of local roads.

The report stated that, over the past number of years, Cork City Council has introduced such zones on more than 3,000 streets.

Speaking to The Echo following the commencement of public consultation on the proposed new bylaws, Fine Gael councillor Des Cahill, who is the chairman of the city council’s roads and transport strategic policy committee (SPC), said: “The intention is that any estate, or road that’s similar to an estate, will ultimately be reduced to 30km/h.”

Mr Cahill also said that proposals to reduce the speed limit from 50km/h to 30km/h in such built-up areas are generally welcomed, particularly when they are located near busy school areas.

Cork City Council, as part of the new bylaws, is also proposing new speed limits associated with the Dunkettle Interchange, and in relation to some non-national roads which are being included following a five-year review of speed limits.

Public consultation on the proposed new bylaws remains open until 5pm on Wednesday, April 10.

For further information and to make an online submission, visit consult.corkcity.ie/.

The proposed bylaws can also be viewed at the reception desk in City Hall, between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday, excluding bank holidays.