Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 3 Jun 1998

Vol. 491 No. 6

Written Answers. - Traffic Speed Limits.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

195 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he will introduce a new maximum speed limit of 15 to 20 miles an hour which could be applied as appropriate by local authorities to help reduce speeding in residential areas and to reduce the need for expensive ramping systems in housing estates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12649/98]

Minister for the Environment and Local Government (Mr. Dempsey)

The question of speed limits generally was reviewed in the context of the Road Traffic Act, 1994. This left unchanged the built up area speed limit of 30 mph.

Road authorities are, however, empowered under section 38 of the Road Traffic Act, 1994, to provide appropriate traffic calming measures for the purposes of restricting the speed of vehicles on particular roads. Such measures are being gradually implemented, in many cases with assistance from the National Roads Authority or the Dublin Transportation Office.

In the light of further experience of traffic calming measures, it may be appropriate to consider reinforcing them by the application of speed limits lower than 30 mph.