LOWER speed limits are set to come into force on Irish roads in just days.
In a bid to lower the risk of accidents and fatalities, speed limits on some roads are being reduced by 25 per cent.
Speed limits are changing on roads across Ireland this week[/caption]
And drivers who don’t slow could be hit with fines and penalty points from Friday, February 7.
They will be slapped with three penalty points and a fixed charge fine of €160.
What roads are affected?
The changes for rural local roads will mean that current 80km/h limits will be dropped to 60km/h.
In these urban core spots, speed limits will be reduced to 30km/h.
And the speed limit on national secondary roads will also drop from 100km/h to 80km/h.
Motorists will soon spot the new speed limit signs that will have replaced existing ones.
A sign with a white circle and three diagonal black lines will mean that your speed must change from 80km/h to 60km/h.
Drivers in urban areas, which include built up parts as well as housing estates and town centres, will also see speed limit changes later this year.
Why are the speed limits changing?
The phased rollout aims to address the high number of fatalities and serious injuries on rural roads.
A Road Safety Authority (RSA) document revealed that 11 learner drivers were involved in fatal accidents in 2023, the worst year for road deaths in a decade.
This record number compares to the three learner driver deaths reported four years earlier in 2019.
And traffic fatalities have increased by nearly 15 per cent in 2024, with 86 deaths, 11 more than in 2023.
Elena Leao, Marketing & PR spokesperson for AA Ireland, stressed that reducing speed limits is a proven method for saving lives.
She said: “Reducing speed limits is a proven way to save lives.
“These changes reflect a commitment to tackling the factors that contribute to road traffic accidents and fatalities.
“We encourage all drivers to familiarise themselves with the updated speed limits and adapt their driving habits accordingly.”
How are Gardai implementing the speed limits?
To support the new limits, An Garda Síochána will continue using speed checks and advanced detection technology to ensure compliance.
This technology, Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) will log the time, date, and location of every vehicle that passes through the entry and exit points.
Drivers who are caught speeding will receive a fixed charge notice.
Once processed, this will result in three penalty points on their licence and a fine of up to €160.
These new cameras are replacing older yellow box models that have been out of action for years, serving as a heads-up to drivers that penalties will be on the way if they exceed the limit.
The AA is now urging drivers to stay alert, follow the new speed limits, and reflect on their driving behaviour.
They added: “Speed limits exist to protect everyone on the road.
“This initiative is a positive step toward creating safer communities and ensuring that we meet the ambitious targets set out in the Road Safety Strategy.”
