Wicklow set to be the first county to introduce 30km periodic speed limits outside all schools from August
August will see the introduction of periodic 30km/h speed limits outside every one of the 102 schools in the county – the first local authority in the country to introduce such a measure.
As a result of these changes, the most vulnerable road users will find themselves in a safer environment.
By ensuring that cars travel at lower speeds, the front of school area will be a much calmer and welcoming place for children and their parents who choose to walk, cycle or scoot to school.
Studies have shown that pedestrians have a 90 per cent chance of surviving after being hit by a car or a truck going at 30 km/h, but less than 50 per cent at 50 km/h or higher. Existing speed limits in the vicinities of County Wicklow’s schools varied from 50km up to 80km per hour.
The safety of all children is paramount and the introduction of these new periodic speed limits will signal the intention from Wicklow County Council to motorists that they need to slow down, particularly in the vicinity of school zones.
The new speed limits will complement the National Transport Authority and An Taisce’s Safe Routes to Schools programme, of which eight schools in Wicklow have already been selected for.
Cllr Aoife Flynn Kennedy, Cathaoirleach, Wicklow County Council, welcomed the change in speed limits saying: “I am absolutely delighted that Wicklow County Council is the first local authority in the country to introduce these periodic speed limits outside all schools. These changes will make the school zones a safer place for all, children in particular. We hope motorists will abide by these changes, which in turn will reduce the issue of speeding around schools.”
Chief Executive of Wicklow County Council, Emer O’Gorman, stated: “Tackling the issue of known speeding outside schools was a key priority for Wicklow County Council. These changes would not have been possible without the backing of the Elected Members, and we thank them for their unwavering support in creating a safer environment for all children.”
Wicklow County Council was supported by Europe’s Federation of Environmental Education (FEE), Irish partner Green-Schools with their Slow Down campaigns, who raised awareness of the benefits of slower speeds. The campaign was also backed and supported by Ireland’s ‘Love 30’ Campaign.
New solar panel signage will be installed at every school in Wicklow, alerting motorists to the changes.