Tipperary to see limited 30kph zones as speed limit review scaled back

Under a new national speed limits review, fewer than half of Tipperary’s 50 kilometre per hour roads are set to be reduced to 30kph, with council officials suggesting the actual figure could be as low as a quarter.

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The original plan, outlined by then Minister Jack Chambers, had intended for all 50kph zones to be cut to 30kph, following the earlier reduction of local 80kph roads to 60kph. But a careful reading of the delayed official guidelines shows that the final decisions will now be made locally.

Senior Engineer Kieran Malone has warned that the changes in this initial phase will be more modest than initially expected. The new 30kph limits will be focused on town and village centres, as well as areas around schools.

The Department of Transport has stepped back from its initial plan of an automatic nationwide reduction of all 50kph roads. Instead, Tipperary County Council will have the discretion to identify where 30kph zones are practical and enforceable.

Mr Malone also confirmed that a public consultation on the proposed changes will take place next year, with local councillors invited to contribute their views.

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