New Speed Limits – Briefing Notes for Your Drivers
New Rural Road Speed Limit Sign Source: RSA
Introduction
As part of Ireland's Road Safety Strategy 2021-2030, significant changes to speed limits were introduced in 2025. This draft note aims to help you inform your staff who drive for work about these changes, their responsibilities as drivers and the consequences they can expect for speeding violations*
Why the change?
Research shows reducing speed limits can lead to a significant decrease in road deaths and injuries:
· More Stopping Distance: Lower speeds mean drivers have more time to react to hazards, significantly reducing the likelihood of collisions, deaths and injuries.
· Pedestrian Safety: 73% of Irish road fatalities in 2020-2024 occurred on a rural road. The survival rate of pedestrians hit at 60 km/h is around 50%, compared to just 10% at 80 km/h.
· Road Conditions: Many rural and secondary roads are not designed for high-speed travel due to sharp bends and lack of hard shoulders.
Revised Speed Limits
· Rural Local Roads: Reduced from 80 km/h to 60 km/h.
· Urban Areas: Gradually decreasing from 50 km/h to 30 km/h throughout 2025.
· National Secondary Roads: To be reduced from 100 km/h to 80 km/h later in 2025.
Responsibilities as Drivers
· Awareness: Be mindful of speed limits and the new road signs.
· Vehicle: Ensure your vehicle is in good condition before each trip.
· Compliance: Ensure you adhere to the new speed limits.
Legal Consequences of Speeding Violations
· Fines: A fixed charge of €160, increasing to €240 if not paid within 28 days and up to €1,000 if referred to court.
· Penalty Points: Three points initially, potentially increasing to five upon conviction.
· Driving Ban: Accumulating 12 penalty points within three years results in a six-month ban.
Telematics for Monitoring and Compliance
Like many companies, we utilise telematics to monitor speeding infringements. The system provides real-time data on driver behaviour, including speeding incidents. It allows us to:
Identify High-Risk Drivers: Use detailed reports and analytics to pinpoint drivers who frequently exceed speed limits.
Implement Interventions: Provide targeted defensive driver training or coaching to improve driving habits and reduce speeding incidents.
Commence Disciplinary Measures: Further interventions could include suspension of driving duties, a written warning or termination of employment, depending on the severity and frequency of speeding incidents.
By adhering to these revised speed limits and leveraging our telematics system, we can ensure compliance with legislation and company policy, contributing to safer roads for everyone.
Stay Informed, Stay Safe.
* Disclaimer:
This briefing note is presented in draft form and it is strongly recommended that you carefully review it and if required, seek further professional advice prior to issuing this document. You should satisfy yourself that it accurately reflects the objectives and reality of driving for work in your company. While it is based on generally agreed best-practices at this time, DriverFocus cannot be held responsible for this draft being complete, appropriate for all circumstances or free from error or omission.
Sources:
Services:
DRIVEALERT - online defensive driver training
DRIVESAFE - ADI-led interactive webinar courses
ALLY - mobile telematics for speed awareness