Date: 5 October 2021
Green Party TD Steven Matthews has called on Wicklow County Council to urgently proceed with his agreed 30 kph speed limits zone for Bray town centre. Discussing the proposal, Deputy Matthews said:
“In 2018 I produced a detailed map proposing 30kph speed limits around some residential roads and approaching Bray Main Street. I drove and cycled around the town for a week researching where we needed speed limits to improve road safety for children, the elderly and other vulnerable pedestrians and brought my mapped proposals to the District Engineer in Bray.
“We discussed further options and improvements and sought input from An Garda Síochána. The plan was supported by the district superintendent and passed by Bray Municipal District and then sent to Wicklow County Council for approval. That was late 2018 and despite numerous requests, the council has not progressed this vital safety measure which had full support of Bray councillors and the Gardaí.
“I have written to the Chief Executive and Director of Roads Services asking that they urgently proceed to put the Bray proposal to the full council membership for ratification. I would hope that when councillors see my Bray plan, that they would request the council to carry out a similar assessment for all our towns. I had started work on a similar Greystones plan in 2019 and I have an outline map ready to present to local area councillors.
“There is unprecedented funding and resources available to local authorities to invest in creating safer roads and footpaths across Wicklow and implementing 30kph zones is an easy measure to improve safety for all of us, including drivers. I’m confident that our councillors want to improve safety for all and will support these measures but the council executive need to be proactive and present these options to councillors. 30 kph speed limits save lives, create quieter streets, and generally produce a result that benefits all pedestrians and road users.
“I have also asked the Chief Executive to focus on the creation of neighbourhood slow zones and especially on the creation of 30kph slow zones around our schools. These zones can be timed to coincide with school opening and closing times and should be supported by the installation of highly visible road markings and electronic variable message signs. I have submitted a detailed request for a Slow Zone around St Cronan’s, Gaelscoil Uí Chéadaigh and St Patrick’s schools on Vevay Road. Road safety has always been a priority for me, and I will continue my work with Wicklow County Council to see improvements across the county, concluded Deputy Matthews.
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