asked the Minister for Local Government if it is intended to retain the 60 mph speed limit.
101.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Speed Limit.
100.
asked the Minister for Local Government if he will, in line with other European countries, increase the permissible maximum speed limit in respect of motor vehicles to 70 mph.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take questions Nos. 100 and 101 together. As I have said on a number of occasions, I propose to re-examine the question of the general speed limit of 60 mph in the light of the results of further studies into its effect which An Foras Forbartha is undertaking.
Surely the Minister is aware that there is no reliable information that the 60 mile limit is being observed. Even in a town or village with a 30 mile limit cars are whizzing by one after another. Does the Minister not agree that no regulation should be introduced unless there is sufficient manpower to enforce it? The regulations are not being enforced at present.
I have already said on a previous occasion that I agreed that the level of enforcement was not satisfactory to my way of thinking. Although it is deemed to be roughly equal to the level of enforcement of speed limits in England I am not satisfied that there is a sufficient degree of enforcement here. I mentioned that last year and I agreed to give the speed limits another year's trial. An Foras Forbartha are to carry out an investigation into its effects and are keeping in touch with developments and studies being carried out in other countries in relation to the operation of speed limits.