Sir, – I completely agree with David Doran (Letters, January 3rd) that reduced speed limits should be introduced, and not only on motorways. During the first oil crisis in 1973 the maximum speed limit on all US roads was reduced to 55 mp/h (90 km/h) in order to save fuel. There was no outcry as people recognised there was an emergency. – Yours, etc,
MICHAEL FITZGIBBON,
Donnybrook,
Dublin 4.
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Sir, – Ten years ago I would have been vehemently opposed to a reduction in motorway speed limits.
However, we are now in a climate emergency. Anything that reduces power consumption, fuel burn, and emissions can only be a good thing for our planet.
Having said that, a change in limit is useless without enforcement. I regularly drive between Kildare and Dublin using cruise control set to the posted limit, and am invariably overtaken every 30 seconds or so by someone going considerably faster.
I’m not in favour of additional fixed and mobile cameras, due to the danger caused by drivers instinctively slamming on the brakes when they see them. Instead, I’d like to see a widespread rollout of average-speed cameras on all major routes throughout the country. Nothing else is going to change driver behaviour. –Yours, etc,
RICHARD BANNISTER,
Kildare.
