http://www.derryjournal.com/story/5410
Signage Change 'Confusion' For Derry Drivers
Friday 17th December 2004
Derry motorists face confusion when they cross the border from next month
as speed limits and signs begin the switch to the metric system.
Four out of five Northern Ireland motorists are not aware that speed
limits and speed signs are set to change from miles-per-hour (MPH) to
kilometres-per-hour (KPH) in the Republic of Ireland next month.
A survey by leading motor insurer AXA shows there could be widespread
confusion when motorists cross the Border into the Republic due to the
changes introduced by the Metrication Changeover Board.
Up to half of motorists in the North (48%) don't know how to convert
miles-per-hour into kilometres-per-hour.
And although 61% claim they have dual calibrated speedometers, 58% admit
the dominant MPH reading would confuse them when trying to adapt to the new
KPH speed limits.
Tim Scott, Operations Manager with AXA said: "UK style MPH speedometers
will cause unintentional speeding problems for Northern Ireland motorists
who travel into the Republic of Ireland as they attempt to convert mph into
kph.
"Some motorists may even contemplate using stickers or clip-on
conversions that superimpose a kph reading over the mph readout.
"However, these give widely inaccurate readings and lead to unintentional
speeding and we do not favour this poor solution. A speedometer is a precise
instrument and factory quality safeguards would be required to ensure such
stickers are applied accurately.
"Unfortunately it seems there will be no long-term
solution for commuters.
"Motorists should therefore make themselves fully aware of the
differences between mph and kph and the different speed limits before
setting off on their trip to the Republic of Ireland."
Penalty points The penalty for speeding offences in the Republic is an
on-the-spot fine of 80 euro together with two penalty points on your driving
licence.
But Gardai in the Republic will first of all have to change all of their
speed trap equipment to the metric system in order to catch those breaking
speed laws.
"We have to change over all of our equipment and that's the main thing
for us," said a spokesman for Buncrana Gardai. "We're told it will become
law on January 20 with all signage erected five days previous to that," he
added.
Another important change, which motorists have been called upon to note,
is the planned reduction of the national speed limit on minor roads from the
current 60 (97 kph) to around 50 mph (80 kph) under the Road Traffic Act
2004. "There will be changing speed limits on all minor roads and motorists
should ensure they fully aware of them," added the Garda spokesman.
The extension of certain speed limit zones will also take place.
Every household in the State will receive an information leaflet from the
Department of Transport explaining all the
changes.
