This article is from page 18 of the 2013-07-09 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 18 JPG
DIGITAL speed signs have helped to reduce car speeds on the Tulla Road over a two-year period, new figures show.
Analysis carried out by Clare County Council shows that the average speed of cars using the Tulla Road has fallen from 44km/h in 2011 to 42 km/h in January 2013.
In a motion tabled at the July meeting of councillors in the Ennis East electoral area, Cllr Johnny Flynn (FG) requested a report on the speed and change in volume of traffic on the Tulla Road since new speed measuring devices were installed.
In his reply, Robert Burns, Executive Engineer, explained that initial analysis of speed signs in July and August 2011 indicated that the average speed on the inbound and outbound lanes on the Tulla Road was 44 k/m/h with 85 per cent of the vehicles at or below 52km/h.
Mr Burns continued, “A detailed traffic count carried out by the road design officer over a 24-hour period in late January 2013 (at Fitzpatrick’s Supermarket) indicated that the average speed as 42 km/h with the 85th percentile speed at 49 km/h, representing a significant improvement on speeds recorded in July / August 2011. The legal speed limit at this location is 50 km/h.
“The date provided by the digital speed signs is currently been analysed and further information will be available when this latest round of analysis is complete.”
Cllr Flynn welcomed the reduction in speed. Cllr Pat Daly (FF) urged motorists to pay heed to the speed signs and drive safely. Cllr Tommy Brennan (Ind) questioned when the digital speed signs would be extended to other roads around Ennis.
Mr Burns said the signs will be installed on the Lahinch Road and any plans to extend the system are being kept under review.
Director of Service and Ennis town manager Ger Dollard said the cameras are put up in consultation with the Gardaí.