Taxi chiefs hit out over speed limit plans

A row was brewing tonight over plans to bring Dublin’s gridlocked streets to a crawl by slashing speed limits to just 30kph (18.6mph).

While road safety chiefs, cyclists and pedestrians gave it their backing, taxi bosses said the new restrictions were a punishment.

Transport Minister Noel Dempsey also appeared in favour saying any move to reduce risks to people on foot and bikes should be given consideration.

But National Taxi Drivers Union (NTDU) president Tommy Gorman said the body would be opposing it.

“We would welcome anything to improve safety on our roads, but obviously we will be raising our objections,” Mr Gorman said.

Dublin City Council confirmed it is considering reducing speed limits throughout the city and along the quays to 30kph (18.6mph).

The safety move – to protect pedestrians and 50,000 cyclists – will result in the de-listing of National Primary Roads between Parnell Square and St Stephen’s Green and on the quays between the Four Courts and Custom House.

Dame Street, D’Olier Street and Westmoreland Street and parts of Temple Bar are among those to have the current 50kph slashed by 20kph.

It is not known if the new limits will be enforced on bus corridors.

David Maher, of Dublin Cycling Campaign, said it would bring Dublin in line with other European countries but called on gardaí to enforce it.

“While we want to reduce the speed limit in the city centre, this can only be done with enforcement and so far we have little reason to have the confidence in the gardaí to do that,” Mr Maher said.

“Average speeds in the city centre are probably only around 15-16kph, but the problem is when people get a break in the traffic they jump to 50kph until they get to the next traffic light.

“Figures have previously shown the average speed in a 30mph zone is 41mph, so if this new limit is not enforced it is not going to make a difference.”

Mr Maher said the reduction would create a better environment for cyclists and pedestrians, while reducing noise and pollution.

He also called for tighter speed restrictions in residential and urban areas.

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) said reduced limits could save lives.

Spokesman Brian Farrell said: “If a pedestrian is hit by a car at 50kph, five out of 10 of those pedestrians will die, whereas if they are hit by a car travelling at 30khp only one in ten will die, so it is a significant safety issue.”

While accepting the safety merits taxi chief Tommy Gorman said there was no statistical evidence to prove professional drivers were to blame for the growing road death toll.

“This is only going to slow down operations further,” he warned.

“Once again motorists and professional drivers are being penalised for the ill manners of pedestrians and cyclists.

“If jaywalking was enforced and cyclists better behaved, like not wearing dark clothing at night time and not going through red lights, we wouldn’t have to be punished.

“We have all encountered misbehaviour by a cyclist, but because they are a non-propelled vehicle identification of them is limited.”

A spokesman for Dublin City Council said the proposal was a safety measure and is in line with the current Road Safety Plan.

“The making of speed limit by-laws is a function reserved for the elected members of the City Council,” he said.

Discussions have already been held between council chiefs and the NRA, which has giving its backing to the plans which could come in to force by the end of the year.