A new 30km/h speed limit will be implemented across Limerick city centre in a move aiming to transform the city into a safer and greener area.
It comes into effect from Friday, February 16, as Limerick City and County Council explained that reducing vehicle speed limits in built up areas offers several benefits.
Among them, the council cited enhanced pedestrian safety as “The Road Safety Authority outline that 5 in 10 pedestrians hit by a car travelling at 50km/h will die. That fatality rate reduces to 1 in 10 pedestrians when hit by a car travelling at 30km/h.”
Also, lower speed limits contribute to a quieter and less stressful urban environment, as well as lower emissions, supporting environmental sustainability.
The 30km/h zone will be identified by 30km/h speed limit signs with supplementary “Go Mall” or “Slow” signage.
The council explained that Limerick city centre and its surrounds is currently undergoing a transformation from being a car centric city with projects ongoing to create a modern city capable of sustaining a multi modal transportation system
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. While Limerick’s transportation-led Development Plan aims to create a compact 10 minute walkable city centre.
Mayor of the City and County of Limerick, Cllr Gerald Mitchell said 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!”
Director of Service, Transportation and Mobility at Limerick City and County Council, Brian Kennedy commented: “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.”
The new Bye-Laws are being implemented in consultation with Gardai and were approved by Limerick City and County Council at the Full Council Meeting held on September 25 2023.
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