Speed limit review switches to Mayo urban centres

ATTENTION on the nationwide speed limit review is now turning to urban centres, with a 30kph limit to apply.

Assessment of towns and villages in Mayo is underway, which will include public consultation, and the department has set the end of June as the implementation date.

Phase one of the speed limit review saw the default limit on rural local roads reducing to 60kph last Friday. Phase three will relate to national secondary roads, with an 80kph limit proposed.

The 'rubber stamping' exercise that was phase one was again criticised by councillors at the first Roads and Sustainable Travel Strategic Policy Committee (SPC) meeting of the year, with Councillor Damian Ryan taking 'grave exception' to the department's one fits all attitude.

Funding for black spots was critical to address road safety, he said, and he requested the SPC seeking a meeting with the department on this.

They had to improve the network to address safety, he said.

Councillor Michael Burke asked that councillors have an input on the 30kph zones, highlighting how they had no say in phase one.

Looking to phase three, Councillor Richard Finn was against reducing national secondary routes to 80kph, with the exception of identified areas where it was needed. Taking the Ballinrobe to Claremorris road as an example, an 80 limit there was 'ridiculous', he said.

Councillor Jarlath Munnelly felt a more holistic look at driver behaviour was needed so people drive more responsibly, citing alcohol, substance abuse, mobile phones or speed as factors in accidents.

“This is just window dressing,” he said.