Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 27 May 2003

Vol. 567 No. 5

Written Answers. - Traffic Regulations.

Denis Naughten

Question:

366 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Transport his plans to introduce metric speed limits; the timescale for the introduction of new limits; if these changes require planning or secondary legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14696/03]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Brennan)

It is proposed to introduce metric units for road traffic signs for speed and speed measurement in 2004. The change over to metric values in this field of application will fulfil the timescale requirement of the European Communities (Units of Measurement)(Amendment) Regulations 2002 (S.I. No. 619 of 2002). These regulations, made by the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, specify that imperial units of measurement may be used until 31 December 2004 and shall not be used thereafter.

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, the signage used to indicate speed limits and the implications of the adoption of metric values for speed measurement. A broadly based working group has been established to carry out this review and it is intended that the review will be completed this summer. The working group's report will make recommendations relating to the timing and administration of the adoption of metric values and inform the neces sary legislative requirements needed to underpin those recommendations.