New speed limit bye-laws adopted by the Galway County Council, which will see 80kmph limits on some roads being reduced to 60 kmph, will not come into force until next February.
The new limits were agreed at a meeting of Galway County Council on November 26, and will apply to regional and local roads throughout the county. They will not apply to national primary and national secondary roads which are the responsibility of Transport Infrastructure Ireland.
Independent councillor for Athenry-Oranmore, Jim Cuddy, welcomed the new speed limits, saying they were necessary as many regional and local roads "are used as rat runs during peak times".
However councillors have been advised by council officials that it will be February before the necessary bye-laws governing the changes come into effect. Also, the local authority has to prepare for the erection of new signage on all roads and ensure the necessary funding is received from Government.
Cllr Cuddy said he hoped motorists "will have regard to the new speed limits", but acknowledged they will only be effective if they are enforced. "I will be monitoring the issue closely," he said, "and liaising with the relevant authorities once the new limits come into effect."
