Councils to be allowed lower speed limits to 20km/h

A new 20km/h speed limit is to be introduced in residential areas after a high-profile campaign by parents who have lost children due to tragic road accidents just yards from their homes.

However, the imminent policy change has still stopped short of a blanket speed limit called for by campaigners, with local authorities instead due to be given the right to allow drivers to go faster, depending on the location of the estate.

Transport Minister Paschal Donohoe confirmed the moves last night on the first session of a two-day Dáil debate on the issue, saying the measure will be included as an option in this summer’s Road Traffic Bill.