Cork councillor welcomes plan to reduce speed limits in city

Independent Cllr Kieran McCarthy has welcomed the proposal that in the new year national speed limits will be reduced to 30km/hr in all built-up urban areas.

Consultation is to begin in January with early and continued engagement with elected members and stakeholders. Non-statutory public consultation will also begin in January followed by statutory public consultation for six weeks.

The formal announcement for public submissions will be on Cork City Council’s online public consultation forum.

Douglas-based Cllr McCarthy has welcomed the opportunity to slow vehicles down in built-up areas.

“One of the largest number of messages I get from constituents is around speeding in neighborhoods from Ballinlough to Rochestown in the built up areas.

“Speeding is not confined to this area either. It is rampant across the city. And some built up suburban areas have 30km/hr zones and some don’t.

“It is known that lower speeds improve road safety, particularly vulnerable users. Risk of death or serious injury is lower - 30km/hr v 50km/hr.

“Effective speed limits also need to be credible, self-regulating, and regarded as appropriate by road users. Enforcement will be an issue to raise with Gardai on the monitoring of the speed limits.

“I look forward to engaging with the public consultation early next year and getting the message of the consultation out there in our neighborhoods.”