New speed limits may be viewed as a 'revenue maker' by drivers, councillor says

Eva Osborne

A west Cork councillor has said the new speed limits to be introduced next year may be viewed as a "revenue maker" by some drivers.

Cllr Finbarr Harrington also said reducing the speed limits on rural roads will do little to help road safety.

Speed limits will be reduced from 80km/h to 60km/h across the country in the new year, and 30km/h limits will be brought in across urban and town centres during the summer time.

The changes are due to start on a phased basis from February, rather than last November, which was initially proposed.

Harrington said the changes are skirting around the real issues regarding road safety, and said policing the changes will be a huge challenge.

"We're all well aware, look, that our gardaí numbers are well reduced and enforcement has become an issue," he said.

"Driver behaviour has to be the big issue. Reducing the speed limit from 80 to 60 - some people will see that as a revenue maker."

The plan to reduce speed limits across rural and local roads was delayed because of the Department of Transport and Local Authorities.

This is according to the Garda Roads Policing Bureau, which said it is not responsible for the implementation of the plans.