Clampdown on driving speeds in urban areas on the way
A clampdown on driving speeds in urban areas is on the way – possibly by the end of this quarter, Cllr Emily Wallace was assured at the February meeting of the Municipal District of Mullingar and Kinnegad.
The information came in response to a request from the Fine Gael woman on the proposal to drop traffic speeds through Westmeath’s towns and villages.
“When will it be implemented, especially following the rise in road deaths over the past 12 months, where approximately a quarter were pedestrians?” Cllr Wallace asked.
The written response from the executive team stated that at national level, the Department of Transport is finalising the nationwide review for the setting of speed limits.
“Part of this review entails specific consideration and recommendations around the introduction of a 30kmh default speed limit in urban areas where there is a significant presence of vulnerable road users,” the response stated.
It went on to explain that the review had also recommended that a number of the proposed changes would require supporting legislation.
“It is hoped that this legislation will be in place in Q1 2024,” the response continued, adding that following that, updated speed limit guidelines would issue to local authorities.
“This in turn will enable this council to commence our county-wide speed limit review process, which it’s hoped will be in Q3 2024.”
Cllr Wallace welcomed the update while going on to remark that the traffic calming measures for which funding will have to be found, would not be necessary if motorists would slow down in urban settings.
Streete
Cllr Wallace asked at the same meeting that a tabletop ramp/safe crossing structure be installed in Streete village. It, she contended, should have a twofold effect in that it should slow traffic and safeguard pedestrians crossing the road to access the footpath.
The response from the district was that project would be examined as part of a future Traffic Calming Measure subject to funding being available.