Dempsey: Reduced speed limits must be reviewed

TRANSPORT Minister Noel Dempsey said local authorities were fully entitled to implement controversial new speed limits in urban areas but admitted the situation will need to be reviewed.

Commenting on the new policy amid growing criticism from motoring groups, Mr Dempsey distanced himself from the 30km/h scheme introduced in Dublin and possibly in Cork and Galway. But he also said people should “wait and see” how it works and that in his experience of similar speed limits in cities such as Copenhagen it had seemed to improve traffic flow. He said “a reasonable amount of time” should be allowed before the scheme is reviewed.

The minister made his comments as the chief executive of the Road Safety Authority (RSA) Noel Brett also indicated the merits of the scheme will have to be reviewed after a certain period of time.