asked the Minister for Local Government if, in view of the strong body of opinion in the traffic units of the Garda Síochána which claims that the 50 miles per hour speed limit cannot be enforced, he will raise the limit to 60 miles per hour.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Speed Limits.
44.
I would remind the Deputy that a statement issued by the Garda authorities on 24th January indicated that they are not aware of any practical difficulties much less impossibilities in the enforcement of the 50 mph speed limit. The statement added that in fact the level of enforcement of the law in this regard is reflected in the substantial increase in detection for breaches of the 50 mph speed limit since its introduction.
Is the Minister happy with the present speed limit? Has his attention been drawn to the recommendations of the European Council of Transport Ministers to the effect that recommended limits ought to be 37 mph for built up areas, 62 mph for normal highways and 81 miles an hour for motorways?
Is the Deputy talking of miles or kilometres?
Yes, miles— Community Report, January 1975, volume 2, No. 1.
Some people seem to be under the impression that this is the only country interested in a 50 mph speed limit. In fact, in Britain the situation is that there is a 70 mph limit on a motorway, 60 mph on a dual carriageway and 50 mph on all other roads. In the USA the speed limit is 50 mph and the matter is under review. Personally, I think it is a very good idea to reduce speed, if possible, even by legal compulsion, during the winter period. Last year we removed the 50 mph limit when summer time came in. Even though it was introduced as a way of saving fuel, and is in effect saving fuel— because people are driving slower than they were with the odd exception— I think there should be two different speed limits, one for winter and one for summer.
Does the Minister propose to do that?
I am considering it.
Do I take it the Minister has these recommendations from the European Conference in mind?
Naturally, anything from Europe has to be taken into consideration but we must make up our own minds.
Can we anticipate a review for the summer months?
I said that personally I would be in favour of reviewing it for the summer months and the matter is at present under consideration.
I am a little confused. Is the Minister saying that the 50 mph overall speed limit is being retained for traffic safety reasons?
No.
It purported to be introduced as a measure to economise on fuel.
No, I said—and I am sure Deputy Haughey heard as well as everybody else—that it was introduced to conserve fuel and in fact it is doing that. I, personally, believe one could have a faster speed limit in summer than in winter, leaving the question of fuel out of it.
Does the Minister maintain that it would be justifiable to retain the 50 mph limit, apart from fuel economy reasons, in the winter time?
Yes, I do.
Does the Minister seriously believe it is being adhered to?
In the main, it is being kept. More people than were respecting it last year are respecting it this year. I would say that fuel has a lot to do with it; traffic is going more slowly.
Arising out of the Minister's reply——
I have allowed the Deputy a lot of latitude. Would he allow the Chair to make some progress? The Deputy ought to not seek to defy the Chair in this manner.
(Interruptions.)
Is the Deputy deliberately raising a point of disorder now?
I think the Chair was very harsh on me when he used the word "defy".
That is not a point of order. The Deputy must learn to obey the Chair. I gave him a lot of latitude in this matter and he ought not disrupt Question Time in this fashion.
45.
asked the Minister for Local Government if he will introduce a speed limit for the village of Dromahair, County Leitrim so that cars being driven to Snia factory at Hazelwood and to Gowna factory at Collooney will have to slow down to 30 miles per hour.
The process of reviewing and deciding on changes in speed limits is now the responsibility of the local authorities.
Accordingly, any representations which the Deputy may wish to make in the matter might be directed to the attention of Leitrim County Council.