A NEW speed limit of 30km/h in Cork city centre received a warm response upon introduction yesterday.
The speed limit applies to a central urban zone including the city’s main thoroughfare, St Patrick’s Street along with Grand Parade, Oliver Plunkett Street, North Main Street, Cornmarket Street and adjacent side streets.
Council officials hope the reduced speed limit will maximise the benefits resulting from recent street upgrade and refurbishment works worth €20 million.
A similar slow-down introduced in Dublin was partially retracted because it was deemed inappropriate in certain areas.
But in Cork, the system appears to have been designed reasonably well, according to Conor Faughnan of AA Roadwatch.
“I’m not sure the benefits will be very large, but from a motorist’s point of view, I don’t imagine drivers in Cork will be particularly put out by this,” he said.
Traders initially objected to the proposal, fearing the reduced limit would cause access problems for motorists. But Cork Chamber yesterday welcomed the move as “likely to improve the attractiveness of the city centre”. Alma Murnane, Cork Chamber policy and research manager called for a 12 month trial period.
For cyclists and pedestrians, the new measures will transform traffic arteries into social spaces, according to Cork Cycle Campaign spokesman Darren McAdam O’Connell.