Ireland is set to implement a significant reduction in speed limits across a wide range of its roads, aiming to curb the number of accidents and fatalities. The changes, effective from February 7th, will see rural local roads reduced to 60 km/h from 80 km/h, and urban core speed limits lowered to 30 km/h. The move follows a recent spike in road deaths, prompting a renewed focus on safety measures. New speed limit signs will be installed, and additional measures like red light cameras and speed camera enforcement are being considered.
Speed limits on a significant number of Irish roads are set to be reduced by 20 km/h in the coming weeks as part of a strategy to mitigate the most prevalent types of road accidents. Rural local roads will experience a 25% decrease in speed limits, shifting from 80 km/h to 60 km/h, effective Friday, February 7th. New speed limit signs will replace existing ones to reflect this change.
The Rural Speed Limit sign (a white circle with three diagonal black lines) will also have its meaning updated from 80 km/h to 60 km/h. A concerning trend reveals that a staggering 73% of road fatalities between 2020 and 2024 occurred on rural roads with speed limits of 80 km/h or higher. Furthermore, nearly half (47%) of all serious injuries transpired on these roads. This reduction is being implemented under the Road Traffic Act 2024, with the anticipation of further speed limit reductions later this year.The speed limit in urban cores, encompassing built-up areas, housing estates, and town centers, will be lowered to 30 km/h from the current 50 km/h limit. Additionally, the speed limit on national secondary roads will decrease from 100 km/h to 80 km/h. This change in speed limits coincides with recent years witnessing a substantial increase in the number of fatalities on Irish roads. Between 2006 and 2021, there was a notable downward trend in fatalities, declining from 365 in 2006 to 132 in 2021. However, road deaths have surged significantly since then, reaching 155 in 2022, 184 in 2023, and 174 in 2024. Last week, a transport expert suggested that speed management strategies, such as traffic lights on major routes flashing red when drivers exceed speed limits, might be implemented in the future.Commenting on potential new measures, former AA Ireland chief Conor Faughnan remarked: 'We are likely to get a lot more cameras. Speed cameras, traffic cameras, red light cameras.' It was highlighted that Ireland might adopt a system currently used in Portugal, where traffic lights are installed on principal roads to turn red and halt vehicles if the driver exceeds the speed limit.
Please follow us on Google to support usSPEED LIMITS IRELAND ROAD SAFETY ACCIDENTS FATALITIES TRAFFIC CAMERAS URBAN CORE RURAL ROADS ROAD TRAFFIC ACT 2024
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News: You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
30 Irish Drivers Undertake 2,000km Charity Road Trip in AfricaA group of 30 Irish drivers will embark on a challenging 2,000km road trip across Africa to deliver emergency vehicles to Uganda and raise funds for Hospice Africa Uganda.
Read more »
Hundreds take part in Dublin vigil to show support for Palestinian journalistsMembers of Irish press gather for Irish Palestine Solidarity Campaign’s New Year’s Eve vigil
Read more »
Here's What Team STELLAR Is Loving This WeekSTELLAR Magazine, Irish Fashion, Irish Women's Magazine, Irish Beauty, shops in Ireland, celebrity news, glossy magazine, Fade Street, make-up tips, Irish style, Vip Magazine Group
Read more »
Here's What Team STELLAR Is Loving This WeekSTELLAR Magazine, Irish Fashion, Irish Women's Magazine, Irish Beauty, shops in Ireland, celebrity news, glossy magazine, Fade Street, make-up tips, Irish style, Vip Magazine Group
Read more »
5 Lip Balms To Get You Through The Cold SpellSTELLAR Magazine, Irish Fashion, Irish Women's Magazine, Irish Beauty, shops in Ireland, celebrity news, glossy magazine, Fade Street, make-up tips, Irish style, Vip Magazine Group
Read more »
Speed Cameras and Red Lights May Be Coming to Irish CitiesA transport expert suggests the new Irish Government might implement stricter speed control measures, including red-light traffic systems on major roads that stop vehicles exceeding the limit. Conor Faughnan, chief of the Royal Irish Automobile Club, believes this could be applied to cities like Cork, Dublin, Galway, and Limerick. He also expressed support for Google Maps' speed camera warnings despite opposition from some road safety groups.
Read more »