Joan Burton
Question:92 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Transport if he will report on progress to date on the promised review of speed limits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13667/03]
Written Answers. - Speed Limits.
David Stanton
Question:121 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Transport his plans to curb speeding by trucks and heavy goods vehicles; if current speed limits are appropriate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13734/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 92 and 121 together.
A comprehensive review of speed limits is currently under way. The review will address all of the major issues relating to speed limit policy, including the range of speed limits deployed on roadways and in relation to particular categories of vehicles, including heavy goods vehicles; the signage used to indicate speed limits; and the implications of the adoption of metric values for speed measurement. A broadly based working group, which has been established to carry out this review, has already commenced its consideration of this complex subject. It is intended that the review will be completed this summer.
The last comprehensive review of speed limits was carried out between 1990 and 1992. The speed limit for heavy goods vehicles was increased from 40 mph to 50 mph at that stage. Since 1996 it is mandatory under EU law that goods vehicles over 12 tonnes in weight be fitted with a speed limitation device set at 85 kph and such that the vehicle itself cannot exceed a speed of 90 kph. The equivalent imperial values are approximately 52.8 mph and 55.9 mph respectively. Directive 2002/85/EC provides for the extension of the fitting of speed limitation devices to further categories of vehicles, including goods vehicles in the 3.5 to 10 tonnes weight range, from 1 January 2005. The mandatory annual roadworthiness test for vehicles requiring speed limitation devices has been more stringent since 1 January 2003 – the device is examined to establish whether it is functioning correctly. The enforcement of road traffic law in relation to speeding offences and vehicle standards is a matter for the Garda Síochána.
Question No. 93 answered with Question No. 82.
Question No. 94 answered with Question No. 89.