Sir, – The range of opinions on the proposal to reduce speed limits in some city areas to 30km per hour is, on the face of it, quite interesting, but in some cases is mind-boggling, to say the least.
It is an issue of concern far beyond the confines of city-centre streets. Safety on the roads is paramount.
I live in Cabinteely, through which runs the N11 and the Old Bray Road. I will first deal with the N11 from Foxrock to Loughlinstown, the speed limit for which is 60 km/h.
While I do not have the benefit of speed-detection cameras, any observation of the speed of traffic could only conclude that speeds of upwards of 80 km/h and above are more the norm than compliance with the 60 km/h limit. Driving at 60 km/h to be passed by a vehicle that leaves you in its wake is the simple test.
The Old Bray Road, the speed limit for which is 50 km/h, runs parallel to the N11 from Cornelscourt through Cabinteely village to its end in a cul-de-sac. At some points, such a speed is impossible. However, there is a considerable level of speeds above 50 km/h, in both directions, in the section from the village to its intersection with the original Clonkeen Road (a cul-de-sac). I am firmly of the opinion that reduction of the speed limit along this particular route to 30 km/h is a vital necessity.
Another road with which I am familiar is the road above the Blessington lake to Lacken, the speed limit for which is 80 km/h. This is a joke. To drive at 80 km/h on this road would be almost suicidal, as any regular user of the route would confirm.
The 30 km/h limit should be the norm in every town and village area, right across the nation. All it requires is action by the Minister and the local authorities.
Coupled with the above is the equally serious situation of the number of vehicles on the road with defective lights, added to which is unnecessary use of fog lights when circumstances are such that they are not required.
There is no excuse whatsoever for defective lights.
Such disregard for a basic requirement of safe driving borders on the criminal. – Yours, etc,
BRENDAN HENDERSON
Cabinteely,
Dublin 18.