Safe Speed Forums

Crazy speed limits are causing drivers to get penalty points even though they are driving at a safe speed, AA Ireland has said.

The association is writing to newly elected county councils to get them to revise limits.

A survey of more than 1,000 motorists by the AA has found that almost 50pc of drivers who received penalty points believe they were unjustified.

And the problem is likely to get worse if the Government succeeds in rolling out speed cameras.

AA director of policy Conor Faughnan said: "We believe a significant proportion of those [complaints] derive from low speed-limit signs across the country.

"With the introduction of speed cameras imminent, we have to get his issue sorted out," he said.

The AA has been asking members to submit locations around the country where the speed limit is set badly.

"Needless to say, there are plenty of examples. Some are debatable, some are obviously bonkers and some are downright dangerous.

"Now that there are new councils elected nationwide we think it's high time the issue was addressed properly."

According to Mr Faughnan there is "roughly an even split between limits that are too high and limits that are too low".

"When a motorist gets penalty points at these locations it certainly feels like rough justice," he said.

Infamous

So far the AA has highlighted 27 locations as having speed limits set too low. These include a selection of motorways, national primary and secondary roads, along with regional and local roads.

Among the roads singled out in Dublin for having too low speed limits were the N7 from M50 to Long Mile Road, N2 Ashbourne to Finglas and the infamous N7 Newlands Cross to M7.

Motorists have also hit out at limits that are set too high, mainly on minor roads in rural areas.

There are 80kph signs on dirt tracks and dual carriageways with 60kph limits, according to the AA.

- Kevin Doyle

It is so sad to see this 'camera virus' attack our colleagues across the water.
I have spoken on a few of their Radio Shows with this and it is such a shame.

There is nothing good about them and the jobs and revenue that they Authorities and Companies involve make, ensures their survival until someone is strong enough to show it up for the flawed Road Safety Policy that it is.

Camera's have nothing to do with a Safe Speed for the conditions, on any road, just a numeric value that relates only to a revenue stream.