Dublin speed limit extension comes into effect - or does it?

THE EXTENSION of a 30km/h speed limit to additional areas of Dublin city centre came into effect yesterday – or not, depending on whom you believed.

Dublin City Councillor Andrew Montague, who championed the extension of the lower limit to new areas including much of the the city quays, told The Irish Timeshe understood the changes would begin today, Monday.

“The date on the resolution was January 31st, which would be Sunday, but I understand the engineers decided on Monday. There was some confusion,” he said.

The Garda Press Office said it was of the opinion the changes would not come into effect until today. However the Dublin City Council website preferred yesterday’s date – January 31st – while the council’s press office sided with the Garda for today, February 1st.

But, just when we thought it was most likely today, a large electronic sign on the quays near the Aisling Hotel, just out of sight of the council offices, warned motorists: “Caution new city centre speed limits, from January 31, 2010”. The changing illustration also displayed a large symbol of a 30km/h sign with the words: “Please note signs.”

However a drive through the city by The Irish Timesrevealed precious few of the signs drivers should note and, perhaps unsurprisingly in the circumstances, little visible speed enforcement.

But whenever it officially started, a new speed limit of 30km/h now applies to all roads within a city centre area extending from Bolton Street on the north side to Kevin Street Lower/St Stephen’s Green on the southside, and extending from Church Street/Bridge Street in the west to Gardiner Street/Tara Street/ Dawson Street in the east.

The zone includes national roads such as O’Connell Street, Dame Street and the North and South Quays between Church Street and Tara Street. For many motorists, the new restriction will not be a problem.

O’Connell Street southbound, Parnell Square and narrow streets south of the river never really accommodated speeds in excess of 30km/h or about 18.6mph.

The changeover has already been welcomed by cycling and pedestrian groups and those interested in creating a “living” city.

However, a less-than-scientific drive around yesterday brought forth certain difficulties. Not among the least is that a diesel engine car can “tick over” at speeds in excess of 30km/h without the driver pressing the accelerator at all.