Jan O'Sullivan
Ceist:50 Ms O'Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he proposes to alter speed limits on national and non-national roads; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2069/99]
Written Answers. - Road Traffic Regulations.
As stated in reply to Question No. 137 of 17 December 1998, the present speed limit regime in Ireland arises from a comprehensive review of speed limits carried out between 1990 and 1992 as well as new arrangements for the application of limits introduced by the Road Traffic Act, 1994. The Government strategy for road safety 1998-2002 makes clear that changes to this regime are not proposed in the short-term: the immediate term priority is to secure a much higher level of compliance with existing speed limits.
However, the strategy also indicates that the option of revising speed limits downwards if enforcement of existing limits does not show good progress towards the strategy goal of reducing present levels of excessive speeding by 50 per cent. As a basis for monitoring the situation, the National Roads Authority will carry out a comprehensive national speed survey later this year.