Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 27 May 2004
64 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Transport if he will report on the progress of his proposals to complete a review of speed limits and convert to the metric system before the end of 2004; if he expects to meet this timescale; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15913/04]
View answerThe European Communities (Units of Measurement) (Amendment) Regulations 2002, S.I. No. 619 of 2002, lay down that imperial units of measurement may only be used on road traffic signs for speed and speed measurement until 31 December 2004. I intend to bring legislative proposals before the Oireachtas shortly that are required to underpin revised speed limit structures based on metric values. I have set up a broadly based metrication changeover task force to oversee the delivery of the metrication programme within the required timeframe. The tender process for the procurement of new posts and metric speed limit signs in currently under way. A consultation process is ongoing with relevant agencies and the preparation of a public awareness campaign is also being progressed.
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 dis-application 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 the progress for metrication of speed limits later this year. In order to assist managers in the review of speed limits, they were informed by my Department earlier this month of locations that were identified in submissions received from the Automobile Association and the Society for the Irish Motor Industry where the appropriateness of the current speed limit has been questioned in representations made to the latter bodies by motorists.
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 in question is appropriate and justified by reference to the prevailing road safety, engineering, traffic or environmental considerations, they have been asked to consider the provision of a sign informing road users of the need for that limit.
I am awaiting reports from the managers on each location where the current limit is perceived by motorists to be inappropriate. I expect that these reports will convey either the grounds that support and justify the application of the current speed limit concerned or indicate that the speed limit in question is being referred to the council members for appropriate action.
