Speed limit changes coming down the road

An appeal was made to ensure there is no confusion when speed limits change in New Ross following the opening of the New Ross Bypass.

Councillors were updated about the changes at the monthly meeting of New Ross Municipal District council on Wednesday.

The speed limit is being reduced from 100 km/h to 80 km/h from Kent’s Cross roundabout to Marshmeadows. When the bypass opens the speed limit on the road stretching from Kent’s Cross roundabout to the Ballymacar roundabout will also be reduced to 80 km/h until bye laws are passed returning the speed limit to 100 km/h.

Cllr Michael Sheehan asked for the speed limit to be restored to 100 km/h as quickly as possible to ensure motorists don’t get caught out by Gatso speed vans.

David Codd from Wexford County Council’s roads department said efforts will be made to try and minimise the period of time, adding that it is extremely difficult for the council to organise time lines when there is no set date for the opening of the bypass.

Cllr Pat Barden made a proposal that the speed limit doesn’t go back to 80 at all. Cllr Sheehan asked for the bye-laws to come into effect the day the bypass opens but was told that isn’t possible. Cllr Michael Whelan suggested for the bye-laws to be implemented prior to the bypass opening.

District director Eamonn Hore said: ‘We have to abide by the legislation. When the Enniscorthy Bypass opened there was significant upset when all of the regional roads went down to 80 km/h. Some of them will go back to 100 km/h and something similar is happening here from Ballymacar to Kent’s.’

Once the bypass opens that stretch of road should stay at 100 km/h, Mr

Hore said, adding that the road from Kent’s Cross into New Ross should be reduced to 80 km/h. ‘You shouldn’t have a 100 km/h speed in an urban area for very good health and safety reasons. This has to go to all districts as well.’

Cllr Anthony Connick asked if a cycling lane can be laid and Cllr Whelan called for better signposting for the 80 km/h road.

Cllr Barden asked if councillors can make representations to have speed limits changed in certain areas but was told by Mr Hore that a complete review of sped limits was carried out last year. Cllr Barden said speed vans were meant to be parked at black spot areas, but are all over the county. ‘We have the highest rates of detection for speeding in the country.’

Cllr Connick pointed out that all speed signs need to be looked at as there is confusion, especially exiting estates, as to the speed limit on certain roads in urban areas within the district.

He seconded Cllr Sheehan’s motion.