From midnight, Ireland will abolish the final vestiges of imperial measurements when it switches from miles to kilometres. The most noticeable change will be on the Republicüs roads where new speed limit signs will notify 1.8 million motorists of the maximum permitted speed in kilometres per hour.
However, problems are already appearing. Although many motorists are aware of the changes, they are raising concerns that they are unable to clearly make out the km/h reading on their speedometers.
On the vast majority of pre-2005 cars, the mph readings dominate with km/h readings often appearing in very small text. "This is an issue with motorists," confirmed the AAüs Conor Faughnan. "It’s very frustrating but there doesn’t seem to be any simple answer."
Because cars’ binnacles are sealed for life, itüs not possible to put a km/h sticker over an existing speedometer. "It would be best if we could retrofit but that just can’t be done at any reasonable cost," said Faughnan. "If a driver genuinely canüt read the km/h reading, then they will just have to learn the imperial equivalent of the new metric limits. This is one of the reasons why the ready-reckoner was produced."
There was a fear that, with recent poor weather, the 58,000 new road signs would not be erected in time. However, after a decision to allow councils to erect the signs well in advance of tonight’s changeover, the National Roads Authority (NRA) is confident that all signs will be metric by midnight.
The final piece of the jigsaw slotted into place last week, when speed limits for certain vehicles, such as HGVs, were confirmed. From midnight, all HGVs, coaches and towing vehicles including cars towing horseboxes or trailers, must not exceed 80km/h (50mph) regardless of the road on which they are travelling. Double-deck vehicles must not exceed 65km/h (40mph).
Over the past number of weeks, council teams have been erecting new signs and replacing existing signs in readiness for the changeover.
In addition, a nationwide campaign has been under way to inform drivers of the changes, which also include a new range of speed limits.
Although there will be some confusion as motorists become used to the new signs and new limits, gardai have consistently warned that they will vigorously enforce the new limits.
Despite this, a Garda spokesperson has confirmed that there are no plans for extra speed checks or any greater Garda presence on the roads over the next few days.
The most dramatic change of which motorists must be aware is the lowering by 20 per cent of the speed limit on the 96,000km of non-National roads. Now set at 80km/h (50mph), this new limit is designed to slow motorists on what are Ireland’s most dangerous roads.
However, without adequate enforcement, the reduced speed limit will have little impact on the number killed on our roads, which last year stood at 56 more than in 2003. "We obviously need a greater visibility and more Garda presence on our roads," said Brian Farrell from the National Safety Council. "But there remains a clear responsibility on motorists to exercise greater caution over the next few days."
Despite the call for more enforcement on local and non-National roads, the Garda have said they will continue to police as before and that there is no new national policy aimed at enforcing the lower speed limit on Irelandüs most dangerous roads.
"There will be no extra checkpoints," confirmed the Garda press office. "It will be left up to each division to decide on enforcement."
Analysis of questions submitted to a dedicated metric changeover website and lo-call number confirm that motorists remain most concerned about Garda enforcement, with many asking why there cannot be a period of grace to allow drivers to get used to the new rules.
Adding to the confusion, it has been accepted that there may be a small number of new signs which display the wrong speed limits and that others may have been missed altogether. As a result, the National Safety Council is urging motorists to act immediately if they spot an old sign or an incorrect new sign.
"If any motorist is concerned about a sign, they should contact their local county council immediately," said Farrell.
Motorists passing any incorrect signs have been warned, however, that they should not rely on them as a defence for speeding. Both the gardai and the Department of Transport have pointed to the Irish statute books, which state that motorists should be aware of a road’s maximum speed limit, regardless of what a road sign says.