Speed limit outside six schools cut to 30kph

The speed limit on roads around six Cork schools has been slashed to 30kph as part of an EU project.

City officials confirmed yesterday the reduced speed limits will come into effect from Wednesday outside:

* Sunday’s Well Boys Primary School, Blarney Road;

* Scoil Barra Naofa Boys and Girls Primary Schools, Beaumont;

* St Brendan’s and St Mark’s Primary Schools, The Glen;

* North Monastery Secondary School;

* Coláiste an Spioraid Naoimh, Bishopstown;

* Nagle Community College, Mahon.

The use of 30kph zones near schools is widespread throughout Europe and is seen as a major road safety measure.

By-laws for the new speed limits have been drafted as part of the Sustainable Mobility Involving Learning and Experiences project — an EU funded scheme to promote and encourage sustainable travel, such as walking and cycling, to school.

“Research has shown that speed is a major parental concern and the main barrier restricting the level of active travel to school,” a project spokesperson said.

The spokesperson said the council hoped the reduced limits will result in less traffic congestion around schools, less pollution and more active children.

Road Safety Authority data shows nine out of 10 pedestrians struck by a car travelling at 60kph will die. The figure drops to five out of 10 when the car is travelling at 50kph. A 30kph speed limit cuts the death rate to just one in 10.