>From the Politics.ie web site: Rushing of metrification typical of ad hoc approach to road safety Wednesday, January 19, 2005
Labour Party Spokesperson on Transport, Deputy Roisin Shortall, has called on Minister Martin Cullen to state clearly why the legislation for the metrification of speed limits was left so late that the Gardai, Local Authorities, and the public have not had sufficient time to adjust before their introduction tonight. Deputy Shortall commented, "The legislation allowing for metrification was only signed into law on December 22nd, yet comes into effect at midnight tonight. This gave the Gardai and Local Authorities the impossible task of changing the state's 58,000 road signs and recalibrating speed guns within a 4-week period, two weeks of which were probably lost due to the Christmas holidays. "In the meantime, a token public awareness campaign was launched much too late, with the result that many drivers are confused about what the new limits actually are. "Moreover, the new legislation provides for special limits to be provided for particular areas (such as schools) in order to protect pedestrians. However, the process for changing limits in these areas is especially cumbersome, and can take months to complete. "Consequently, in some areas the speed limit around some schools is excessive, yet it will take a very long time before it can be changed. "Metrification has been rushed through with insufficient time given to allow the public, local authorities, and the Gardai to adjust. It is yet another example of the ad-hoc nature of the Government's approach to road safety."
