The Road Traffic Acts provide for the direct application of speed limits to all roads. Under the provisions of these Acts, a default speed limit of 30 mph applies to all roads, apart from motorways, in a built-up area, and a general speed limit of 60 mph applies to all roads outside such areas, apart from motorways. A default speed limit of 70 mph applies in the case of motorways.
The Acts provide that local authorities may make by-laws through which the speed limits that apply on a default basis can be changed in respect of roads specified in such by-laws. These by-laws are made by the elected members of the local authorities following consultation with the Garda Commissioner and, in the case of national roads, with the consent of the National Roads Authority, NRA.
In the context of an overall review of speed limits carried out against the background of the metrication of such limits generally, county and city managers were asked in January 2003 to examine the position in their areas. The primary focus of the examination was to ensure that the revocation of default speed limits and the application of special speed limits were supported by by-laws. In addition, the authorities were asked to look at instances where speed limits might not be appropriate and to take any action they deemed to be appropriate. My Department wrote to managers again in March 2004, repeating the request to look at possible instances of inappropriate speed limits and outlining the overall position on progress for metrication of speed limits later this year.
Both the Automobile Association, AA, and the Society for the Irish Motor Industry, SIMI, subsequently presented me with lists of over 50 locations in respect of which they had received representations questioning the speed limits currently in place. In order to assist managers in the review referred to above, they have been advised by my Department of the locations identified in the submissions of the two organisations.
I wish to make it clear that I have not requested that the speed limit be increased or decreased at any specific location. Managers have specifically been asked to look at the locations that have been the subject of complaint to the AA and SIMI and, if the local authority considers that the speed limit is not appropriate, that steps should be taken to introduce appropriate amendments to the by-laws, which will see more appropriate speed limits applied. It has also been made clear that where, on the other hand, the local authority considers that the speed limit at the location in question is appropriate and justified by reference to the prevailing road safety, engineering, traffic or environmental considerations, they should consider the provision of a sign informing road users of the need for that limit. I am awaiting reports from the managers to see if the speed limits at the 50 plus locations complained of can either be justified as being appropriate or referred to the elected members for review and appropriate action.
It must be appreciated that the national road network has a national context. An objective of the National Roads Authority is to endeavour to achieve the efficient use of these public roads and have regard to their level of service capacity. It is particularly important therefore that the fundamental considerations of road safety and efficient traffic management underpin any decision of a local council to apply a special speed limit in lieu of the default speed limit on a national road.
The current statutory provision requires local authorities to obtain the prior consent of the NRA to draft speed limit by-laws on national roads. I am keeping the current statutory provision under review. Any proposal to amend the current statutory role of local councils in the application of alternative speed limits on national roads and motorways would have to apply to all county and city councils.
