Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 December 2015
626. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a national speed limit campaign will take place (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42978/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Road Safety Authority has statutory responsibility for the promotion of public awareness in relation to road safety and the safe use of our roads.
It must be remembered that speed limit signs cannot be interpreted as representing a target, or that it is safe to drive up to the limit displayed. It is the driver's responsibility to exercise judgment and to drive at a safe speed having regard to the prevailing road conditions.
Reiterating this point, one of the recommendations of the 2013 published Speed Limit Review was the need for more awareness and communications on the futility of speeding. I understand that this is something the RSA will address in 2016. In addition, I am informed that this will be supplemented with updated education and training on the issue of speeding in the RSA's road safety programmes being delivered in schools and also in the delivery of Essential Driver Training lessons for learner drivers.
While accepting that irrespective of the location on our road network there needs to be frequent reminders for drivers that speed limits are maximum limits and not targets, I would also highlight that ensuring drivers do not break these limits is the responsibility of An Garda Síochána.
