From 31st March 2017, new ‘Slow Zones’ are compulsory in certain residential areas and in the vicinity of schools in Dublin. It is intended that new signage be revealed in certain housing estates and locations and a speed limit of 30kph be applied.

The new speed limits will result in safer and calmer environments for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists.

Roseann Brennan, founder of ‘Jake’s Legacy’, has campaigned for a 20km per hour speed limit to be introduced to residential areas since she lost her son to a road traffic accident in her estate in 2014. The campaign gained traction through its various social media accounts, the unwavering dedication of Roseann and media coverage. Cross party support for legislative change soon followed.

There has been growing support across Europe for 20-30km/h speed limits in residential areas (in countries such Scotland, Austria, Finland, France, Greece and Norway). Further campaigns such as “Twenty is Plenty” in the UK, “Vision Zero” in Sweden and “Sustainable Safety” in Netherlands have seen the implementation of lower speed limits, shared road use and traffic calming measures in order to help reduce road injuries, as well as promoting the health benefits of walking or cycling.

In Ireland, over the last decade, substantial improvements in road safety have been achieved through legislative means by way of more stringent sanctions on drink drivers, and higher standards of vehicle safety through the NCT. Speeding remains one of the main causes of collisions, deaths and injuries on our roads. Implementing legislation in this area has proven to be complex, however it is evident from other jurisdictions that it not an impossibility.

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Derek Walsh

Derek Walsh is a litigation solicitor at Keating Connolly Sellors.  He represents families who have experienced injury or fatality due to accidents in housing estates.  If you or a loved one has been involved in a road traffic accident of any kind, contact Derek for expert advice at [email protected] or 061 414 355 or 061 432 353.

The material contained in this article is for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal or other professional advice. We advise people to always seek specific expert advice for their individual circumstances.