What kind of city do we want? That’s the question I ask myself each day as I head out with my children to school. Sometimes we cycle, some days I drive. I’d like to think that in a few years time I can let them cycle to school by themselves, or that we could head into town to a match in Croke Park on our bikes. The new 30 kph speed limit will make this easier and safer.

One of the biggest fears that parents have is the fear that their children will be run over. I know that slowing down traffic in the centre of our towns and cities will improve safety for children and their parents. I want to be able to let go of my child’s hand and not be petrified if they are out of sight for a split-second.

In Dublin City Centre over 15,000 people live within the 30 kph zone, as well as thousands of children. Many of them are hostages in their homes due to speeding traffic. There are six schools within the 30 kph zone, as well as many colleges.  Lower speed limits will make it easier to walk or cycle, rather than be driven to school. This can help tackle the increase in childhood obesity. Children spend too much time playing computer games rather than playing outside. Why shouldn’t children be able to walk to the shops, cycle to school or explore their neighbourhood without parents having to keep a watchful eye for speeding cars? These days they need the exercise. If the new 30 kph limit is enforced it should be possible for a seven year old to cycle to school by themselves.  When I cycle with my children the hairs on the back of my neck stand up when I hear the noise of a speeding car come up from behind. Children are no longer allowed the same freedom to walk and play outside as they had in previous decades. It doesn’t have to be a case of one false move and you’re dead. Older people will also benefit from slower speed limits, and won’t have to run across roads when the pedestrian light turns green.

I’m sick and tired of having to shout when I’m having a conversation on Dame Street or the Quays. Even in the last few days you can notice the change. You can rediscover the art of conversation on a city street. That can only be a good thing. People will also get a decent night’s sleep again if cars aren’t speeding through town in the middle of the night. Noise pollution from traffic has increased dramatically in recent years, and any move that quietens things down can only be welcomed.

In Dún Laoghaire a 30 kph speed limit was introduced at the start of the year without controversy. It now means that you can cross George’s Street without some boy racer coming out of nowhere when you’re halfway across the road. The new speed limit doesn’t mean that traffic banned, it just means it has to slow down a little.

Lower speed limits will save lives. Speed kills. If a pedestrian is hit at 50 kph by a vehicle they have a 45% chance of dying. At 30 kph 95% will survive. The new National Transport Authority has figures showing that in the last ten years thirty people have lost their lives in traffic accidents in the city centre 30 kph zone; one hundred and fifty have been seriously injured, and over two thousand suffered minor injuries. For the sake of perhaps adding a few seconds to a journey lives will be saved. People are more important than cars.

In town the new Dublin Bikes scheme has been a great success. The new speed limits build on that success and will improve the city for residents and tourists alike.  I’m pleased that we’re following the good example of cities like Amsterdam or Copenhagen. The new speed limits are already calming the traffic and make our city more civilised. Long may it continue.

Ciarán Cuffe is the Green Party’s Transport Spokesperson and TD for Dún Laoghaire