Periodic speed limits could be ‘recipe for disaster’ - The Munster Express

Periodic speed limits could be ‘recipe for disaster’ General Stories The Munster Express

Changing speed limits around the county is due to be placed on public consultation for submissions and comments from members of the public.

One of the more interesting proposed changes is that some roads will have different speed limits at different times during the day, leading one councillor to comment that it could be “a recipe for disaster”.

“Perhaps it just applies for a couple of hours during the day or something. If that’s the case I’m wondering how does that work in practice?” Councillor Joe Kelly asked at a special meeting of Waterford Metropolitan District last Thursday, 2 July.

“It seems to me if someone is travelling on a road – let’s say that is 50 km/h – and they reach a zone that is 30 km/h for certain hours of the day, I think it’s a recipe for disaster,” he said.

“On such a road, the whole thing should probably be 30 km/h because trying to get people to slow between the hours of 12 noon and 1.00 pm or 4.00 pm and 6.00 pm or something, while it’s a different speed all the other times. It just sounds ridiculous to me.”

In reply, Area Engineer for Waterford Council, Alan Kirwan confirmed that the proposal would mean lower speed limits at certain times around schools.

“It is envisioned that the periodic speed limits will come into effect around school drop-offs and school collections,” he explained.

“There will be a flashing light indicating that it is a 30 km/h limit at that time. So, when it’s not flashing it reverts back to the 50 km/h limit. It’s periodic only around school times.

“Some of the locations, it’s not practical to expect drivers outside of school times [to drive at] 30 km/h – the road is too wide, it’s too busy. The Ferrybank boys’ school for example, it’s an ex-national road, it’s a regional road. Outside school times and night times we can’t expect drivers to drive at 30 km/h per hour,” he said.

“We have them around the county and they do work quiet well,” added Director of Services Gabriel Hynes. “They come on when the children are going to school, there’s a big flashing sign that says 30 km/h and then once the time period is over, it just goes off. They are recommended by the department and we’ve found them very good,” Mr. Hynes added.

“I actually think they are a good idea”, commented Cllr Mary Roche. “Because there are some areas if it was 30 km/h all the time, people would be getting caught.”

Mr. Kirwan continued: “It will be a big flashing light so I don’t think any motorist will say they can’t see it”.

“We put a bit of thought into the locations of them all too. We propose to put them in places that won’t be obstructed by trees, houses, or anything else.”

Mr Kirwin also confirmed that the area running from the De la Salle school into the town centre as one location where periodic speed limits would be implemented.

Members of the public can make submissions and see the full details of these proposals on the consult portal of the Waterford City and County council website. Alternatively, postal submissions can be made to Aideen Jacob in Waterford Council.

AARON KENT Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme - Munster Express Submit a Comment Cancel reply Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

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