CHANGES to speed limits in Limerick City will be put in place from later this month, Limerick City and County Council have confirmed.
From February 16, speed limits in the city centre will be cut from 50km/h to 30km/h in an attempt by the local authority to reduce the number of injuries and deaths sustained on local roads.
The lower speed limit, the council claims, will lead to increased reaction time for drivers and pedestrians.
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) outline that five in 10 pedestrians hit by a car travelling at 50km/h will die. That fatality rate reduces to one in 10 pedestrians when hit by a car travelling at 30km/h.
The council hope the reduction in speed limit will also lead to a “less stressful” city environment, and will help lead to lower emissions and support environmental sustainability.
The new bye-laws were approved at the full council meeting in September 2023.
The 30km/h zone will be identified by 30km/h speed limit signs with supplementary ‘Go Mall’ or ‘Slow’ signage.
“Limerick City Centre and its surrounds is currently undergoing a transformation away from being a car-centric city with projects ongoing to create a modern city capable of sustaining a multi-modal transportation system,” a statement from Limerick City and County Council said.
“The introduction of a 30km/h city centre supports a number of ongoing aims and projects including the O’Connell Street revitalisation project and city centre junction improvement works. Limerick’s transportation-led Development Plan aims to create a compact 10 minute walkable city centre.”
Limerick Mayor, Cllr Gerald Mitchell, believes the new speed limit will benefit everyone.
“By adopting a lower speed limit in the city, Limerick City and County Council is promoting a safer, healthier, and more liveable urban environment. I urge motorists to abide by the new limit. Simply stated; slowing down saves lives.”
The council’s director of services for transportation and mobility, Brian Kennedy, said: “Speed is giving way to safety with the introduction of the 30km/h zones. It paves the way for a city that is more accessible to everyone, safeguarding vulnerable road users.”
“This initiative also aligns with a shift towards a modern, more pedestrian friendly city centre as evidenced in a number of road and public realm improvement schemes undertaken by Limerick City and County Council,” he said.
