In a move towards a safer and more vibrant city, Limerick City and County Council announces the implementation of a 30 kilometre per hour speed limit across the city, effective from Friday, 16 February 2024.
Reducing vehicle speed limits in built up areas offers several key benefits:
- It enhances pedestrian safety by providing more reaction time for both drivers and pedestrians, thereby reducing the likelihood of accidents. 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.
- Lower speed limits also contribute to a quieter and less stressful urban environment, fostering a more pleasant atmosphere for residents and visitors alike.
- Decreased speeds can lead to lower emissions, supporting environmental sustainability.
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 Monday, 25 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.
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.
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 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.”
Please see map for 30KM/H Speed Limit for City Centre here.