Public's views sought on 30kph estate speed limits

The public is being urged to make their views known on housing estates where the speed limit needs to be reduced to 30kph.

A public consultation process is currently underway and councillors are urging people to highlight any estates that should be included in the process.

Council Cathaoirleach Cllr Sharon Tolan said that one of the biggest issues on the doorsteps during the recent election campaign was road safety.

“The public feels unsafe driving, cycling and walking on our roads and I want to ensure we do all we can to make them safe spaces for everyone. As part of that work, we are currently reviewing speed limits in housing estates.

“This is something we have been rolling out for a number of years. Unfortunately we cannot do them all at the one time.

“I would urge people in estates where there is an issue with speeding, to engage with the council. We can then roll out new byelaws and put up speed limit signs to make motorists aware, and if needed, further traffic measures such as chicanes can be installed.

“The reduced speed limits are to make people aware they are in an urban area and there are children at play.”

Cllr Tolan said that residents in nearly every estate will be looking for the new reduced limits.

“We will do as many as we can with each roll out, There will be estates that have not been take in the charge by the council that cannot be included this time, but they can be included when the estate is handed over to the council.”

The consultation process continues until Thursday 11th July and Cllr Tolan explains that it will then take a couple of months, but she hopes the new byelaws would come before the council members before the end of the year for adoption.

“It is very important to engage and highlight the areas where this is necessary.

“If you are aware of any estates that should be included as part of the current process, please make a submission in writing to the Transportation Department, Buvinda House, Dublin Road, Navan, Co Meath, or by email to transport@meathcoco.ie”

Cllr Noel French also highlighted importance of public engagement.

“There are concerns about speeding in every housing estate, town and village in the county.

“The lower speed limits have been introduced in some areas and we have put in ramps and more lately, chicanes.

“Of course what is really needed is enforcement of these limits because it is just a small number of irresponsible drivers that create the danger and put peoples lives at risk. Speeding is still in the top three causes of fatal accidents on our roads.

“There have been complaints about speeding and fears for the safety of children in every single town and village.”

Cllr French said that all housing estates should have a 30kph speed limit, but enforcement was also very important.