Vol. 561 No. 2
286 Mr. N. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Transport if he will examine the speed limit where both trucks and cars can travel up to 60 mph; his views on whether there is a conflict in the speed in this area; and if he will consider either increasing the saloon car speed or reducing the truck speed to a maximum of 50 mph. [3941/03]
The Road Traffic (General and Ordinary Speed Limit) Regulations 1992 provide that the current maximum speed limit prescribed for goods vehicles, with a design gross vehicle weight in excess of 3,500 kilogrammes, is 50 mph. This maximum speed applies across all road types including motorways. Enforcement of the speed limit is a matter for the Garda Síochána.
287 Mr. N. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider introducing legislation requiring all pedestrians to wear reflective clothing when walking in view of the difficulties being experienced by traffic in viewing people walking on roads and the number of accidents which are occurring. [3942/03]
The consensus of public authorities concerned with road safety has been that the wearing of armbands is best promoted on a voluntary basis by way of educational and publicity campaigns such as those undertaken, and to be continued, by the National Safety Council, rather than through legislation. The rules of the road include a strong recommendation supporting the use of reflective armbands at night by pedestrians outside urban areas.
