That Roscommon County Council review the policy on restricting the putting in place of speed ramps In Residential Housing Estates throughout the County, as fear is widespread with uncontrolled vehicles speeding entering and leaving these densely populated areas.

‘That Roscommon County Council review the policy on restricting the putting in place of speed ramps In Residential Housing Estates throughout the County, as fear is widespread with uncontrolled vehicles speeding entering and leaving these densely populated areas.’

The Meetings Administrator read the following reply:

“Roscommon County Council currently has no specific policy in relation to the provision or otherwise of Speed Ramps in Residential Housing Developments. However from a technical viewpoint, they are in themselves considered to be the measure of last resort in relation to the control of speed within built up areas. The reasons for this are;

·        Emergency Response Times. Speed ramps can significantly slow down emergency vehicles, potentially delaying critical response times for fire, ambulance, and police services.

·        Alternative Traffic Calming Measures. There are other effective methods to manage speeding, such as increased signage, road markings, and the implementation of speed limit enforcement zones.

·        Cost and Maintenance. The installation and maintenance of speed ramps involve substantial costs. Given our limited resources, we believe it is more prudent to invest in broader, more sustainable traffic management solutions.

·        Resident Concerns. While speed ramps can reduce vehicle speed, they also often lead to increased noise and discomfort for residents due to frequent braking and acceleration.

We are committed to ensuring the safety and quality of life for all our residents and will continue to explore and implement effective traffic management strategies on a case by case basis. We encourage residents to report specific instances of speeding to both Roscommon County Council and An Garda Síochána so that appropriate actions can be taken.”

Moving the motion, Cllr. Crosby said speeding was a huge problem in certain housing estates which he had come across recently - speeding vehicles are a major issue both entering and exiting estates. Where used, ramps are highly effective and would be a positive deterrent. against speeding.

Members welcomed the motion for discussion: 

·        A preference was expressed for gradual, rather than high speed ramps.

·        Concerns were expressed for the safety of children where speeding cars were using roads in built-up areas.

·        However, footpaths were often damaged where speed ramps were in place. Fears were also expressed that ramps may slow down emergency vehicles

·        Members felt the instillation of speed ramps was the best option but some argued residents did not always want them in their own areas.

·        Driver behaviour was the biggest factor contributing to speeding vehicles due to concerns over the instillation of ramps.

·        Speed ramps should only be considered as a traffic calming measure, and only if there is demand from affected residents groups.

·        It was suggested that new plans for new residential areas should include conditions that allow for effective planning.

·        There is a lack of uniformity in respect of speed ramps in different estates.

Acknowledging the support of colleagues, Cllr. Crosby said the provision of ramps in certain estates was critical.

Acting Director of Services, Greg O’Donnell said Roscommon County Council does not have a policy on speed ramps but follows best practice in respect of traffic management guidelines. He cited areas where the instillation of speed ramps were appropriate, but were not acceptable to residents. Other traffic calming measures included the provision of horizontal deflectors, pillow ramps and one-way traffic systems. He said speed ramps are not installed on public roads and cited other traffic calming options such as table tops and pedestrian crossings. He said it was likely urban speed limits, particularly in built-up residential areas are likely to be reduced soon to 30 kph, excluding critical arterial routes. He concluded that  the Council is not opposed to using ramps in certain situations, but their priority is to follow best practice and national guidelines.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Crosby

SECONDED by Cllr. Murphy

It was AGREED Roscommon County Council review the policy on restricting the putting in place of speed ramps In Residential Housing Estates throughout the County, as fear is widespread with uncontrolled vehicles speeding entering and leaving densely populated areas.