The 6th Annual UN Global Road Safety Week started Monday 17 May and runs until today, 23 May. Supporting UN Global Road Safety Week the Road Safety Authority (RSA), An Garda Síochána, and the Department of Transport are calling on drivers to slow down especially in our cities, towns, and villages to protect vulnerable road users.
The theme for UN Global Road Safety Week 2021 is ‘Streets for Life #Love30’. The UN is calling for 30km/h speed limits to be the norm in cities worldwide in places where people mix with traffic. Low speed streets save lives and are the heart of any community.
Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Ms. Hildegarde Naughton said: “Low speed streets are the heart of any community, and contribute to making cities safe and healthy, green and liveable. 30 km/h zones in cities can also facilitate the attainment of a number of UN Sustainable Development Goals including those on health, education, infrastructure, sustainable cities, climate action and partnerships. Last year, we outlined in the Programme for Government a commitment to review and reduce speed limits, which will have both road safety and environmental benefits.
The greater implementation of 30km/h speed limits in urban areas in Ireland will play a part in achieving these benefits. For example, in January Dublin City Council launched their ‘Love30’ campaign and in April invited members of the public to provide feedback on a proposal to have a default 30km/h speed limit across most areas of the city. We need to see more local authorities being more proactive in coming forward to consult with the public on the greater roll out of 30km/h limits in our villages, towns and cities.”
Drivers of agricultural vehicles are being reminded that they are subject to all road traffic legislation. They are required to carry the appropriate licence and farm vehicles are required to be taxed, insured and must be roadworthy, including fully operational lights front and rear.