Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 29 September 2004
988 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Transport his plans to implement the metrification of speed limits; when he intends to have the metric speed limits in place; if he plans to carry out the speed limit review and reduction of speed limits on non-national roads in conjunction with the metrification process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21649/04]
View answerThe Road Traffic Bill 2004, that I published on 11 June last, provides for the introduction of revised speed limit structures expressed in metric values, including application of a default speed limit of 80 km/h on all non-national roads outside of built-up areas. I propose to progress the passage of this Bill through the Houses of the Oireachtas in the immediate future.
When relevant sections of the proposed new statute are subsequently commenced, the default speed limit of 80 km/h will automatically apply, through operation of the statute, to the rural non-national road network. In essence therefore the reduction of the present speed limit of 60 mph to 80 km/h, just under 50 mph, will be made as part of the metrication changeover process with effect from a commencement date that I will prescribe in regulations after the Bill has been enacted.
I announced earlier this month that it is my intention that the metric speed limits will be in place on 20 January 2005 and I have established a metrication changeover board to oversee the delivery of this task.
