asked the Minister for Local Government the motoring organisations with which he held consultations prior to the decision to introduce the 60 mph speed limit; what other interests he consulted; and whether these organisations approved of the new limit.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - 60 mph Speed Limit.
18.
The report on which I based my decision to introduce a general speed limit of 60 mph was prepared by An Foras Forbartha. The report was endorsed by the road safety advisory group and by the roads and road traffic committee of An Foras. Two motoring organisations, the AA and the RIAC, had nominees present at the detailed discussions on the report by the group and the committee. I am aware that these nominees expressed opposition to the proposed limit. However, I am satisfied that, in the circumstances, the facts established by the report of An Foras warrant the introduction of the speed limit as early as possible, despite the inconvenience that may be caused to those motorists who wish to exceed 60 miles per hour. I am gravely perturbed by the sharp increase in fatalities that took place last year and feel that I am bound to take any reasonable steps which offer a prospect of reducing the toll of death and injury on the roads. The operation of the speed limit will be kept fully under review, of course. To enable this to be done properly, it is necessary to have the limit operating for a sufficient period before the alcohol testing comes in, so that its effect can be isolated and assessed. For this reason alone it is necessary to bring it into operation at the earliest possible date. I expect the co-operation of all road users in this effort to save human life.