Introduction of metric speed limits causes concern

Concern has been expressed in the Dáil about the lack of a proper awareness campaign ahead of the introduction of the new metric speed limit system.

The Road Traffic Bill, introduced by the Minister for Transport, Mr Cullen, allows for the metrification of the speed limits, effective from January.

The legislation also allows for the "outsourcing" from the Garda of certain aspects of the fixed charge payments scheme, and it amends parts of the Taxi Regulation Act dealing with the disqualification from holding taxi licences of people convicted of certain offences.

Mr Cullen, who said there was an urgency to the legislation, stated that four "default" speed limits would apply under the Bill, compared with the current three limits.

Speed limits in built-up areas will be 50km to replace the current 30 m.p.h. A new 80km speed limit, the equivalent of 50 m.p.h. will apply to all regional and local roads and replaces the 60 m.p.h. limit and this will apply to more than 90 per cent of the rural road network.

A new limit of 100km an hour will apply to all national roads and this replaces the 60m.p.h. while the motorway limit will be 120 km, to replace the 70 m.p.h. limit.

Fine Gael's transport spokeswoman, Ms Olivia Mitchell, was disappointed with the speed limits. "My understanding was that with metrification would come a new structure of speed limits which would in some way standardise what is happening throughout the country, but that is not the case."

She added: "We must do something about the myriad conflicting, illogical and confusing speed limits that appear to operate throughout the country, which cause not just annoyance but genuine resentment."

Labour's spokeswoman, Ms Róisín Shortall, said there was a failure to have a proper comprehensive awareness campaign and this would create "huge problems", particularly because no agreement was reached with the motor industry to ensure new cars were based on the metric rather than the imperial system.

"The imperial numerals are the largest on the speedometer whereas the metric ones are the smallest, yet it is difficult enough to read the imperial measurements on speedometers while in charge of a car," she said.

Mr Sean Crowe (SF, Dublin South-West) said the Bill was "largely acceptable" but he was concerned about the outsourcing of fixed penalty charge payments because "there is a bad taste in people's mouths following the outsourcing of clamping".

The debate was adjourned.