Dublin, Ireland – Thousands of new road signs are being installed across the country as An Garda Síochána prepares to enforce significant reductions in speed limits on rural and urban roads. Motorists are urged to slow down and remain mindful of the revised limits, which take effect from Friday, February 7.
Under the new regulations, speed limits will be reduced in three key categories:
- National secondary roads: Reduced from 100 km/h to 80 km/h
- Local roads: Reduced from 80 km/h to 60 km/h (Enforcement begins immediately)
- Urban areas (town centres, city centres, housing estates): Reduced from 50 km/h to 30 km/h (To be enforced later in the year following signage updates)
New Road Signage and Enforcement Measures
The Department of Transport confirmed that councils across Ireland are installing thousands of new speed limit signs as part of the national road safety initiative. Notably, rural speed limit signs will now feature a white circle with three diagonal black lines, indicating the reduction of local speed limits from 80 km/h to 60 km/h.
Garda Inspector Gillian Synnott emphasized the importance of public awareness as these changes take effect:
"Introducing more consistent and appropriate speed limits will help improve road safety in Ireland," a Department of Transport spokesperson stated.
"There will be new road signage put up to notify people where speed limits have changed. We urge drivers to remain vigilant and adjust their driving habits accordingly," said Inspector Synnott.
Increased Garda Presence on Roads
An Garda Síochána has confirmed that Roads Policing Units and regular units will be actively monitoring compliance, particularly in built-up areas.
"We want safer roads and safer communities. If motorists slow down, it significantly reduces the risk of collisions and fatalities," Inspector Synnott added.
Although speed limits are changing, enforcement penalties remain the same. Fines, penalty points, and 'Go Safe' speed detection operations will continue as normal in areas where new limits apply.
St Brigid’s Bank Holiday Crackdown: 1,000+ Speeding Offences
The call for increased road safety comes after a major enforcement operation during the St Brigid’s bank holiday weekend, where authorities recorded over 1,000 speeding violations and more than 160 arrests for suspected drink or drug driving.
- One motorist was arrested for drink or drug driving every 36 minutes on average during the four-day period.
- Over 60 arrests for drink and drug driving occurred within a single 24-hour span.
- More than 450 motorists were caught speeding on Sunday alone.
Among the most serious offences, Gardaí stopped a motorist in Kildare traveling at 125 km/h in a 100 km/h zone. Another driver was caught operating two mobile phones while behind the wheel.
Decline in Road Fatalities, But Risks Remain
While there has been a decline in road fatalities compared to the same period last year, authorities remain cautious.
Three people lost their lives in road collisions over the St Brigid’s weekend, bringing the total number of fatalities on Irish roads to 14 so far this year.
Inspector Synnott underscored the ongoing risks and the devastating consequences of reckless driving:
"It is heartbreaking to be the one knocking on a family’s door after a fatal accident. We urge everyone to think ahead—plan your journey, have a designated driver, and obey speed limits."
With tighter speed limits, enhanced enforcement, and continued road safety campaigns, authorities are hopeful that these measures will lead to fewer accidents and safer roads for all.
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