Gap in law may scrap speeding convictions

THOUSANDS of Irish motorists who were convicted of speeding offences in villages and rural townlands over the last six years may now be able to have those convictions quashed.

The situation arises after a successful High Court judicial review case taken by a firm of Limerick solicitors against the DPP which has resulted in a decision by a District Judge to strike out speeding prosecutions brought under Section 5 of the Road Traffic Act 2004.

Section 5 of the Act governs speed limits in built-up areas, which are clearly defined in the legislation as being areas of cities, towns and boroughs.