Brennan hits out at "silly" speed limits
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IRELAND'S VARYING system of speed limits is "silly" according to Transport Minister Seamus Brennan who has set up a review group to advise on updating the transport system.
Some describe the system as "farcical" — speed limits can change dozens of times over short distances for no apparent reason.
The review group's recommendations are for new general limits to be introduced when speed signs are converted to metric measurements next year.
An increase in motorway limits by four miles to 74mph is suggested. Likewise, a minor increase in the 60mph limit for wide single-lane roads with hard shoulders would be approved.
However, top speeds on narrow country roads would be reduced from the present 60mph to 50mph.
The current 30mph limit in urban areas would remain, but a proposed limit of 20mph near schools may not happen since Brennan says he does not want to see a proliferation of limits within a short distance.
Review Group members included the Department ofTransport, the Garda, road engineers and the National Safety Council.