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Plans to cut speed limits ‘will significantly improve road safety' – minister

irishnews.com

11–20 of 92 posts

Re: Plans to cut speed limits ‘will significantly improve road safety' – minister

#11
post #7

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I’m not aware of motorway speeds other than 120km/h except on the M50 and near tool booths. That seems appropriate and broadly in line with the rest or Europe. (edit: and It's not like everyone is cruising along at or above the limit. I pass a lot of cars in free flowing traffic when driving with cruise control on at 120) The 80kph roads that are double track with grass down the center are a ... fixture of the Irish…

A limit of 120km/h in a good motorway is a bad joke. The only purpose is to be able to give tickets to take money from people.

There are 2 countries I've driven in in Europe with higher limits, France (130 in good weather) and Germany (unlimited in some sections). UK is 70mph. Max I've seen in the US is 75mph.

Most traffic in Germany, even in the unlimited sections, tends to max out around 130. France tends to hit that 130 and not go above it.

I stand by 120 as a generally reasonable speed for a motorway with a speed limit.

Re: Plans to cut speed limits ‘will significantly improve road safety' – minister

#12
post #7

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I’m not aware of motorway speeds other than 120km/h except on the M50 and near tool booths. That seems appropriate and broadly in line with the rest or Europe. (edit: and It's not like everyone is cruising along at or above the limit. I pass a lot of cars in free flowing traffic when driving with cruise control on at 120) The 80kph roads that are double track with grass down the center are a ... fixture of the Irish…

A limit of 120km/h in a good motorway is a bad joke. The only purpose is to be able to give tickets to take money from people.

Excuse the rough conversions but here where I live in the US (New England) the speed limit is generally ~105km/hr on highways but isn't enforced below 130km/hr unless there's some other violation in play.

It seems entirely reasonable

Re: Plans to cut speed limits ‘will significantly improve road safety' – minister

#13
post #4

Anyone that thinks this is going to change anything in Ireland has never driven around Ireland. To say speed limits as taken as an amusing suggestion here is the biggest understatement I’m going to make all day.

Same issues in New Zealand. Good roads capable of driving fast, but there’s too much traffic and they should have invested in infrastructure 30 years ago.

Re: Plans to cut speed limits ‘will significantly improve road safety' – minister

#15

Switzerland has 120kmh instead of typical EU limit of 130kmh. Slightly less pollution of all types, slightly safer roads, cars last slightly longer. Typical swiss driver is anything but typical driver basically anywhere - polite, respectful, and just doesn't break rules in mormal situations. I really like it this way, and couldnt care less for the limit, saving 1-2 minutes is neglible every time. That being said, any…

130km/h is just ludicrous. The consumption compared to 100km/h is about 50% extra and the time saved is wiped out with just one bathroom break.

Re: Plans to cut speed limits ‘will significantly improve road safety' – minister

#17
post #4

Anyone that thinks this is going to change anything in Ireland has never driven around Ireland. To say speed limits as taken as an amusing suggestion here is the biggest understatement I’m going to make all day.

In the UK we're starting to install average speed cameras in lots of places. Almost every major road in my area has an average speed camera on some stretch.

And I, for one, I think it's great. It's not a popular position but I'm a speed limit enforcement maximalist. I think if you're going 31 in a 30, after accounting for measurement errors, there should be enforcement action. Driving is one of the most dangerous things we do so I'm not sure why we're all so blasé about breaking this particular law.

Re: Plans to cut speed limits ‘will significantly improve road safety' – minister

#18
post #7

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I’m not aware of motorway speeds other than 120km/h except on the M50 and near tool booths. That seems appropriate and broadly in line with the rest or Europe. (edit: and It's not like everyone is cruising along at or above the limit. I pass a lot of cars in free flowing traffic when driving with cruise control on at 120) The 80kph roads that are double track with grass down the center are a ... fixture of the Irish…

A limit of 120km/h in a good motorway is a bad joke. The only purpose is to be able to give tickets to take money from people.

Looks like apart from Germany there is no country in the world that allows more than 140km/h

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Speed_limits_by_country

Re: Plans to cut speed limits ‘will significantly improve road safety' – minister

#20
post #4

Anyone that thinks this is going to change anything in Ireland has never driven around Ireland. To say speed limits as taken as an amusing suggestion here is the biggest understatement I’m going to make all day.

In the UK we're starting to install average speed cameras in lots of places. Almost every major road in my area has an average speed camera on some stretch. And I, for one, I think it's great. It's not a popular position but I'm a speed limit enforcement maximalist. I think if you're going 31 in a 30, after accounting for measurement errors, there should be enforcement action. Driving is one of the most dangerous thi…

Amen. Enforce the limit as written or change the limit.
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