Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 October 2004
153 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Transport when the speed limit change over will be introduced; the measures he has in place to have speedometers changed and to ensure that speed limits are adhered to in view of the change over and to ensure that motorists are aware of their speed; if there are plans to allow each motorist to have their speedometer converted free of charge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24581/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy predecessor announced last month that it is intended that metric speed limits be in place on 20 January 2005. A metrication change over board is working to that timeframe.
For a considerable number of years now, most new motor vehicles sold in Ireland have been equipped with speedometers having both metric and imperial speed graduations. As a consequence, for the majority of vehicles currently in use here it is possible for the driver to read the vehicle's speed directly in kilometres per hour. In the circumstances I have no plans for a retrofit programme as such would not be practicable for technical and economic reasons nor are Exchequer funds available for such a purpose. However, a comprehensive public education programme on metrication will include information to assist all drivers to adjust to the use of metric distance and speed measurement.
