Vol. 473 No. 4
295 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for the Environment the consideration, if any, he has given to reducing the 30 miles per hour speed limit, particularly for residential areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1708/97]
I do not propose, at this stage, to provide for the application of speed limits of less than 30 mph which is the standard built-up area limit. International experience indicates that such lower limits, applied in isolation, do not have any significant impact on vehicle speeds. Where road authorities wish to restrict vehicles to a speed lower than 30 mph, they should first utilise appropriate traffic calming measures under section 38 of the Road Traffic Act, 1994. The use of lower speed limits can be further considered in the light of experience with such measures.
