Local Roads - New Speed Limits

"In Ireland almost three in four road deaths (73%) in 2020-2024 occurred on a rural road with a speed limit of 80km/h or greater. Almost half (47%) of all serious injuries occurred on these roads." Taken from DoT website.

It does not refer to L roads, only rural so can't be sure it's L roads.

Some real anomalies here in Tipp.

The old N8 from Cahir to Mitchesltown - 13km straight as a die, ample hard shoulder. Sees about 20 cars an hour on a busy day - anyone exiting from a house junction rarely has to wait for a gap in traffic. Was 100kph, now down to 80 and it feels interminable driving it at that speed. Speed van usually parked up near Kilcoran hotel over the brow of the only rise on the road.

The N24 from Cahir to Clonmel. Constant traffic, multiple junctions, bends and hills. People exiting side-roads are frequently taking risks to cross the road and join a gap in traffic at 100kph. Limit remains at 100, where clearly it would be safer reduced to 80 or even 60 at some of the junctions. I'll be making these observations to Tipp CoCo and the RSA.

I saw sign being changed as I drove into the town.this is pure window dressing and will do nothing to stop the lunatic behind the wheel

disproportionately road deaths happen on regional roads . Usually outside of villages and towns or near blind junctions . Check the irish times article that has the crash map for last year . It a real eye opener when you check the roads those collisions happen on .

https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2024/03/16/reduced-speed-limits-will-be-coming-to-irish-roads-this-year-but-do-they-work/

THe reason it is a big deal is you give an inch the government will take a mile . Don't think this will stop with just local roads . There is a list already of list of regional roads that are getting hit the same because local councils have deemed them unsafe . This is also part of the new speed limits and the freedoms given to council to put more restrictions on speed .

It might not be a big issue to you now . That is until it actually effects you more than it will other people .

The R498 Thurles to Nenagh Road which I drive frequently. There are new poles everywhere. Now, they had nothing on them and I'd love to be wrong here, but I strongly suspect that they are reducing it to 60kmh. Yes, its a dangerous road. Yes parts of it will be an awful drag at 60kmh and yes I'm happy to drive it at the speed limit, whatever it is. The angry van driver behind me will be even more angry and will be up my boot with the main beam on more quickly now. Unless we enforce things PROPERLY, which we won't.

The new poles definitely aren't on L/R road intersections, they're clearly along the mainline.

I won't be up that direction for a few weeks but I'll report back. I'd also be interested in seeing do they do the same POTENTIAL reduction on the R513 from Mitchelstown to Limerick. Hopefully that stays at 80.

Anyway, I'm not up for a battle of words tonight, I've had enough bad news today!!

Those poles are close to L roads and will have 80 posted on them so that when you exit the L road, you'll see a 80 km/hr sign on the regional road. Unless your councillors voted to reduce the overall limit which is highly unlikely.

You'll know in a day or two.

Its very straightforward. If you're on a local rural road, not a regional or national, the default is 60. Whether you saw the 3 lined sign or a number 60 is irrelevant. The national default is 60.

If there's a special speed limit, it'll have different numbers but these are the rare occasions.

60km/hr for roads that are not National or Regional, unless indicated. Drive safely, stay safe.

I know this thread is specifically about local roads, but the overall plan is to reduce all limits by 20km/h later in the year. So N roads like for example the 3 lane Naas Road from Newlands Cross down would be reduced to 80km/h. That's not a couple of minutes slower journey time like these L roads are being explained as.

Quote from RTE …

"This is the first of three phases with more changes due to be implemented later this year. There will be a change to speed limits on local roads in urban areas with many roads reducing speed limits to 30km/h

This will include built up areas as well as housing estates and town centres. The national secondary roads will also see changes happening with a recommendation that the speed is reduced from 100km/h to 80km/h."

Money grab.

All roads are not being reduced by 20 kmh later this year. With regard to N (national) roads the reduction will apply only to National Secondary roads. National Secondary roads are identified by numbers N51 & above.

Ring Fingal and ask them. They'll know.

How was your reference to Wales reducing the speed limit on urban roads from 30mph to 20mph relevant either?

Could you share a source for that?