Hopes high in Kilkenny as new speed limits arrive

Efforts to reduce vehicle speeds, especially in rural areas, have been welcomed by public representatives as new, slower speed limits come into effect on local roads across Kilkenny.

Described as a ‘massive issue in every town and village,’ local councillors hope the measures will save lives. However, with the issue of driver personal responsibility also a key factor in road safety, all motorists are being asked to follow the new limits.
From last Friday, the new speed limit on rural roads is 60kph, down from 80kph.
‘Rural’ roads are those with an ‘L’ or that have no number.

Across the county new signs began to appear late last year. Kilkenny County Council received grant funding from the Department of Transport to purchase and install poles and signs to display the new speed limit on the relevant roads.

The ‘rural speed limit sign’, which is used as an alternative to numeric speed limit signs on specific single lane rural roads, will now mean that a maximum 60km/h limit is in force.

Changes have been welcomed by the Road Safety Authority highlighted that the decision to reduce speed limits is based on clear scientific evidence showing that speed directly affects the likelihood and severity of collisions.
A survey showed that 60% of drivers felt rural roads were not safe under the 80kph limit and supported the reduction.

“Speed is a “massive issue in every town and village,” Kilkenny TD Peter ‘Chap’ Cleere said, at a recent discussion on the new speed limits at Callan Thomastown municipal district.
He said the new limits needs to be accompanied by ‘driver personal responsibility’ and support from the gardaí.
During the same debate, Cllr Michael Doyle welcomed the new limits and signage, but he said the only thing that slows traffic is ramps.

Public Support
Michael Rowland, Director of Research, Standards and Assurance with the Road Safety Authority welcomed the reduced speed limits, saying the “change will help make our rural communities safer for all road users - motorists, people who cycle, and pedestrians alike.

“We are also encouraged by the strong public support for this measure as indicated by our research. The majority of people recognise that rural local roads can be dangerous and are in favour of reducing speed limits to make them safer.”
The rural speed limit sign is four black lines on a circle with a white background.