More 30kmh speed limits could be coming to Wicklow as council commits to review

By Hugh O'Farrell Walsh, The Wicklow People

Wicklow County Council has pledged to look at reducing speed in urban areas where the 30kmh speed limit is not already in existence.

The move comes following a directive issued by Transport Minister Darragh O’Brien as part of efforts to enhance road safety.

Where appropriate, local authorities are being asked to introduce lower speed limits, including 30kmh speed limits on roads in towns and cities.

Following the direction issued by Mr O’Brien, a target has been set to have 30kmh speed limits in urban and built-up areas in place by March 31, 2027.

The changes will be brought in using special speed limit bye-laws, instead of changing default limits.

Residents in the county will have the opportunity to contribute to the decision-making process around the changes, as part of public consultations.

Speed limits on roads in urban and built-up areas can only be changed by a majority vote of the elected members of the council.

Mr O’ Brien said the changes are being proposed as part of the Government’s Road Safety Strategy ‘Vision Zero’, which is aiming to halve fatalities and serious injuries on our roads by the end of this decade.

“Making this vision a reality means we need to work together to increase protection for all, but particularly vulnerable road users.

“Having lower speed limits in built-up and urban areas will greatly improve road safety, especially for those who walk, scoot or cycle. In recent years, we have made significant investment to improve our road infrastructure, by reallocating street space for pedestrians, crossing facilities, and cycling facilities.”

In 2023, Wicklow County Council passed new speed limit bye-laws following extensive consultation with elected members and the public. As a result, significant 30kmh speed limit zones were introduced in the main urban centres of Bray, Greystones, Wicklow town and Arklow.

All housing estates were also subject to the limit.

Wicklow County Council was the first local authority in the country to introduce 30kmh limits at all schools on public roads, either through the implementation of the limits in the urban centres or, mainly through the introduction of periodic speed limits that come into operation during school drop-off and collection times.

Any future speed limit changes will come into effect on specific dates outlined by the local authority under their new bye-laws. Signs showing new speed limits will also be installed to make road users aware of the changes.