In Galway traffic will be heavy on Bothar na Dtreabh (Dublin Rd) due to the Galway Races taking place from Monday 25th until Sunday 31st July.

Motorists can also expect delays on the N72 Killarney/Killorglin Rd due to the Irish Open taking place at Killarney Golf and Fishing Club from Wednesday 28th until Sunday 31st July.

Traffic is expected to be heavy on the Louisburgh/Westport Rd (R335) due to the Annual Pilgrimage to Croagh Patrick taking place on Reek on Sunday, 31st July.

Motorists have been advised to expect delays on the N21 Limerick / Tralee road through Adare as traffic goes down to one lane through the town. Delays of up to 30 minutes are commonplace on a regular Friday, delays are likely to be longer during the August bank holiday.

The AA has issued the following advice:

· Ensure you get adequate sleep before driving. This is something that shift workers and truck drivers should be particularly mindful of.

· Ask your GP how any prescribed medication you are taking can affect your driving. It’s also vital to remember that daytime drowsiness can be a side effect of non prescription medications such as hay fever and cold and flu medicines which may contain antihistamines.

· Avoid heavy meals and alcohol before driving.

· Always plan journeys properly, deciding in advance where you’re going to stop for rest stops. This is all the more important, given the current lack of service areas on significant stretches of our motorway network.

· Break any journey of over 3 hours with a 20 minute break and on longer journeys, take a break every two hours or so. Frequent short stops (of at least 20 minutes) are better than one long stop.

· Take the opportunity to stretch your legs when you stop for a break from driving.

· Follow this up with two cups of caffeinated coffee or a stimulation drink containing caffeine. Caffeine takes about 20 minutes to take effect so be mindful that you won’t feel the benefits straight away.

· Use the 20 minute window it takes the caffeine to take effect to take a nap lasting no longer than 15-20 minutes. Much more than this and you might wake up feeling groggy.

· Remember to lock the doors of your vehicle when taking a nap and never ever do so on the hard shoulder. It is illegal to pull into the hard shoulder unless in the event of an emergency.

The result shows that for garages offering a service there is no substitute for a good reputation and satisfied customers.

Of the 15,000 Irish motorists who took part in the survey, 75.3 per cent of respondents who booked their car in for a service following a recommendation from family or friends said that they were highly impressed with the quality of the workmanship supplied. This is compared to a lower overall satisfaction rating of 53.7 per cent.

While those who used online forums in their quest to find a good mechanic reported higher than average levels of satisfaction at 63.1 per cent, direct advice from friends would seem more reliable yet again according to the findings of the AA poll.

Overall 6.3 per cent of those surveyed by the AA said they felt let down by the mechanic who performed their last car service.

Positively, the AA poll revealed no discernable difference between the levels of service received by male or female motorists. Across a number of categories including honesty, customer service levels, value and transparency no major differences were detected between the sexes.

While there are many excellent garages out there, the findings of the AA poll suggest that the standards of some garages remain questionable. 7.8 per cent of motorists surveyed by the AA said they felt they were dealt with dishonestly during their last car service. 7.2 per cent also indicated that they would not recommend the garage in question to a friend, 13.4 per cent vented that their bill was unexpectedly inflated by additional repairs and 15.4 per cent were unconvinced that they received value for money.

Of the 26 counties, satisfaction levels in relation to car servicing are at their highest in counties Offaly, Leitrim and Louth respectively. Inversely Longford, Westmeath and Meath in that order reported the lowest levels of customer satisfaction nationwide.

The latest AA Motor Insurance Poll shows that 7.6% of drivers in Ireland break red lights at least occasionally.

Only a quarter of the 15,600 motorists polled by AA Motor Insurance said they have never broken a red light and just 49.3% said they slow down when approaching an amber light. A further 2.2% admitted to habitually putting their foot down to squeeze through on amber, ignoring the rules of the road. “Most motorists in Ireland behave well on the road, but there is a reckless minority,” says John Farrell, Director of Insurance AA Ireland.

“While we appreciate that getting caught at the lights can be a real pain, and the temptation is there when the way appears clear, it’s just not worth the potential consequences,” The results of the AA Motor Insurance poll also indicate that male drivers are more likely than females to intentionally break a red light every now and again. 8.9% of male motorists compared with 5.7% of females admitted to the traffic violation.

The Rules of the Road regarding traffic lights:

1. A red light means STOP. If the traffic lights is red as you approach it you must not go beyond the accompanying stop line.

2. When the light is green, you may proceed but only with caution.

3. When the light is amber you cannot go beyond the traffic light stop line or light itself in the absence of a line. ONLY if you are so close to the line/traffic light when the light in question turns amber that it would be unsafe to bring your vehicle to a stop can you continue through an amber light.

4. A green filter light (arrow) means you are permitted to follow the direction of the arrow provided it is safe and clear to do so.

5. If turning right at traffic lights where there is a right facing arrow, you can drive into the junction when the traffic lights turn green, making sure not to obstruct the flow of oncoming traffic. When it is safe to do so, complete your right hand turn. You are not obliged to wait for the green filter arrow to appear provided you get a safe opportunity to turn right before it appears.

6. When you see a flashing, left pointing amber arrow leading into a junction you may proceed to the left provided you give way to traffic already driving through the junction on the road you are entering.

The motoring organisation is asking its members and all drivers to pay close attention to the campaign and to inform themselves about how to use a motorway correctly.

“Motorways and the new high grade dual carriageways are extremely safe roads. Statistically, they are the safest roads that we have. But that does not mean there is no danger,” says Director of Policy Conor Faughnan. The AA attends an average of 60 breakdowns on motorways every week – an increase of 63% in the last year. This means ever greater exposure to danger for drivers and their passengers.

“Ireland now has a motorway network, and our driving population has never been taught how to use one,” says Faughnan. “The new roads are fantastic but motorways have specific safety rules for very good reasons. Traffic moves at high speed and when collisions occur they can be catastrophic. The hard shoulder for example is an extremely dangerous place to be, yet some drivers use it almost casually. In darkness or in foggy conditions the danger is magnified, and drivers need to be aware of it.”

In a recent Motor Insurance Poll, more than 10,000 motorists confessed to committing an act of road rage within the last three years.

Among the most common of these aggressive behaviours was excessive honking of the horn, making rude gestures and most worryingly deliberate tail-gating.

Half of those who admitted suffering from road rage said they’d beeped another driver out of it in their angry state. 48.1% said they’d made a rude gesture and 20% employed the bullying tactic of deliberately tailgating another vehicle.

Following this, 19.1% said they’d rolled down their window to yell at another driver while 5.3% actually got out of their car to give someone a piece of their mind.

Despite the relative success of recent years, Irish motorists still rank road safety as the most important issue they face on the roads.

The AA has conducted a major opinion survey among Irish motorists in which over 22,000 drivers took part. When asked to rank the importance of various motoring issues, road safety was rated as the number one concern – ahead of fuel costs, insurance costs, road conditions, tolls and the environment.

AA Director of Policy Conor Faughnan commented: “Ireland has enjoyed some major successes in road safety, and in fact the rate of death and injury has dropped by some 40% in the last ten years. This is due in huge part to the very positive response from Irish motorists, who have strongly supported road safety measures.”

“But even if 212 deaths compares better with previous years, it is still a national disaster. The effect of road crashes on Irish life is devastating, and it must remain a major policy priority for the incoming government. There are still many areas that need reform and there is still a massive amount to be done.

“We hope our Members will like the gesture and that it will cheer them up after their car breaks down.” Says Director of Policy Conor Faughnan.

But there is a safe driving message to go along with the romance… AA research has shown that 18% of women regularly wear high heels while driving, and that’s a habit the AA wants to encourage them to break

This Valentine’s Day the entire AA Rescue fleet will take to the roads with vans full of mouth watering hand finished Lir chocolates and a supply of red roses in a bid to charm any female AA Members who find themselves broken down across the country.

Whether it’s a flat battery, puncture or something more complicated that causes female AA Members to break down this Valentine’s Day they needn’t despair. Not only will a man in uniform come to their aid, they’ll also get an entire box of Lir’s Ultimate Indulgence Chocolate Collection to tantalise their taste buds and a Red Rose to make them smile. The AA Customer Care Centre is gearing up for a slew of complaints from jealous other-halves!

“It is a nice gift and we hope people will enjoy it, but there is a more serious road safety message as well.” Says Faughnan. “Females are generally lower risk than males but that doesn’t mean that their driving is perfect.”

The AA had five separate services carried out by five providers in Dublin city. In all cases the cars had been pre-prepared by AA and had minor faults installed – faults that should be picked up in any routine service.

Three of the five garages failed to ask when the timing belt had last been changed. This is very important for the customer because timing belts must be changed at specified intervals or they can fail and cause very expensive damage.

The AA is concerned that in the current climate pressure on margins and pressure on price is leading to garages allowing standards to slip.

These are the findings from a major AA survey, which got responses from 9,400 Irish drivers.

Motorists believe speed cameras are good for road safety, but they are also suspicious that the authorities will not put them in the right places. Many motorists express the view that it is more about making money than it is about saving lives.

The AA asked Irish motorists whether they supported the idea of the widespread use of speed cameras to promote safer roads. Two thirds of motorists said that they did support them (67.7%), but only a quarter (25.1%) said that they trusted the authorities to put them in the right places. 63.8% believed that they are mostly about raising money.

In over 1,500 individual comments received by the AA, almost half expressed the view that the cameras would be used by the government to raise money.

On the other hand, 63.2% said that they personally knew of a location where they would recommend that a speed camera be installed.

“These proposed cameras might well save lives, but as it stands they have a serious credibility gap to bridge,” says the AA’s Director of Policy Conor Faughnan.

“Irish motorists have been and continue to be very supportive of positive road safety developments, like random breath tests or lowering the drink drive limit. They will support speed cameras as well but only if they are treated fairly.”

“All areas have had some rain in the last 24 hours with some extremely heavy localised showers,” says Director of Policy Conor Faughnan. “This has meant some very testing driving conditions and drivers must take extra care.

The most important message is for drivers to slow down. Braking distances increase dramatically in wet conditions. It is especially important for drivers not to tailgate. Leave a long distance between yourself and the vehicle in front. This is particularly important on motorways.

“Motorways are generally very safe, but heavy rain makes them dangerous.

Road spray thrown up from the wheels reduces visibility, and we have had a lot of motorists report very difficult conditions on the Motorways today. According to the Road Safety Authority, it can take you more than 170 metres to bring a car to a complete stop when you are travelling at 120kph, as we do on Motorways.”

Heavy showers can cause localised flooding very quickly and also reduce visibility. Take particular care to look out for cyclists and motorcyclists. Not only are conditions more difficult for these vulnerable road users, water beading on the glass of a car makes it more difficult for the driver to see out.

“It is all too easy not to see a bike when the car glass is wet and misted, “ says Faughnan. “Check your blind spot with extra care when changing lanes, and remember that there are school children on the roads once more now that September is here.”

Summer motoring can be dangerous as people change from their normal driving patterns. People drive long distances and when they arrive there is the temptation of alcohol on long summer evenings.

The good weather does not always mean good driving conditions as the sunshine can melt the road surface making it extremely slippery. Also, rain at the end of a long dry spell can mix with dust, oil and rubber, producing a road surface like an ice rink.

“The big killers on Irish roads are speeding, drink driving and non-wearing of seatbelts but there is also the growing problem of fatigue,” says Nicola Hudson, AA Roadwatch.

The AA has urged Ireland’s motorists to slow down, take breaks and stay safe this Summer. Irish roads are a lot safer than they used to be, Irish motorists are becoming better drivers – safer and more careful, and with the stats to prove it but speed is still the biggest risk any of us take every day.

“It is a common practice that many drivers only reach for the lights when it becomes difficult for them to see,” says Director of Policy Conor Faughnan.  “But the lights are also there to make sure that other road users can see you.”

In the summer months, even when the weather is good, cars can be hard for other road users to see. In the twilight period morning and evening it is difficult for the human eye to adjust quickly between the bright sky and the darker ground, and research shows that when cars use Daytime Running Lights (DRL) they are noticed more easily and accidents rates are reduced.

Even when the sun is shining brightly, evidence shows that Daytime Running Lights can be very useful. Strong sunlight means there is a sharp contrast between shaded areas, in the shadows of trees and buildings, and direct sunshine.

Using dipped headlights makes your vehicle easier to see for pedestrians, cyclists, motorbikes and other traffic.

“The RSA has considered following the example of other countries and making Daytime Running Lights compulsory for all cars in Ireland,” says Faughnan. “That hasn’t happened yet, but an EU Directive will make it compulsory for all new vehicles to have DRL fitted as standard from February 2011 onwards. In the meantime, drivers who have DRLs on their cars should use them. For those who don’t, dipped headlights work just as well and should be used almost all the time, even during these long summer days.”

One concern that drivers legitimately have is the effect that using dipped headlights at all times has on fuel consumption, and hence on carbon emissions as well. The side lights on modern cars are much more energy efficient and will make virtually no difference to fuel usage. For older cars there is a slight increase, but it is very slight indeed (perhaps 1.6 per cent) and makes nowhere near as big a difference as factors like air conditioning, correct tyre inflation or driving style.

“We all want to save fuel and money, but you have to balance that against proven safety benefits,” says Faughnan. “Don’t be reluctant to reach for the switch. The advice for cars is the same as the good advice given to cyclists and pedestrians… be safe, be seen.”

The May bank holiday heralds the start of summer for a number of motorists. The Gardai will be targeting the busy roads with increased levels of enforcement focusing on speeding – still our biggest killer.

“Irish roads are a lot safer than they used to be, but it is still the biggest risk any of us take every day,” commented  Director of Policy Conor Faughnan.

“Improved road safety standards have come about mostly because Irish motorists are becoming better drivers – safer and more careful, and with the stats to prove it. But we have to keep pushing for more gardai and more investment because there is still such a long way to go. There could be families in Ireland right now that don’t know it yet but will be shattered and devastated over the coming weekend by the tragedy of road death.”

The exodus from the cities and the longer drives people take mean that it is also likely to be a very busy weekend for car breakdowns.

“For many people, this weekend will be the first long journey the car has done in months.” says AA Director of Policy Conor Faughnan. “It’s a time when minor faults catch them out and can cause major headaches.

A little advanced planning can save you an enormous amount of hassle later on.”

Diesel has risen to an average of 122.0 cent per litre, a 3.2 cent increase in the last month and up a total of 7 cent per litre since January.

Diesel is up 22 per cent from an average this time last year of 99.9 cent.

A barrel of oil remains at roughly $82 this month, a four per cent increase in 2010 to date.

Fluctuating oil prices are among one of the complex factors affecting rising fuel prices, but they are by no means the only factor.

In a recent survey by AA Insurance, policy holders were asked how well they studied their policy document for their most recent policy. Only a quarter of those surveyed had studied their documents thoroughly. The majority of the insured (60%) merely glanced over their policy documents while a shocking 13% did not read or understand their policy documents.

“No one likes paperwork or small print, but you have to know what you are buying,” says AA Commercial Director John Farrell. “Take the time to read it through.

Everyone knows policies vary considerably and with different benefits and terms, and these make a big difference in the event of a claim.”

It is important to ensure the correct level of cover is in place and that no misunderstandings have occurred to offset any risk. With both the cost of premiums and claims on the rise, the importance of these documents must be emphasised.

“People can be very disappointed when they find out that things they thought were covered are not. Sometimes reduced benefits can mean lower prices, but you need to know in advance what you want to pay for.”

An analysis by AA Insurance shows that the average premium for a male motor insurance customer is now €589, up by 3.5% since January. The average cost for a female driver is €487, up by just under 5% on the same figure for January.

The AA Motor Premium Analysis is based on 200 quotes sourced from 12 Irish insurance providers both via online websites and via call centres and other customer contacts. All quotes were sourced in January and March 2010.

The ‘average’ figure shown looks only at drivers between 25 and 45 yrs of age, and it is this market-indicative mainstream premium which has risen so sharply in the first quarter of the year. Higher risk groups, and as usual this is dominated by young males, also saw price increases.

A typical male will usually pay between 20% and 25% more for insurance than a female of the same age. That is not just because of accident rates, it also reflects the fact that statistically males are higher mileage drivers than females and are therefore more exposed to risk. While this gender gap is something that we are used to, it continues to be particularly dramatic in the case of young males.

For 17-25 year olds, insurance is on average 48% more costly if you are male.

“Spring is here, and for a lot of drivers the car will be doing its first long journey of the year in the next week,” says Director of Policy Conor Faughnan. “We want everyone to take just 60 seconds to do some basic safety checks of their vehicle.”
The AA advises that you take time to check the following:

Tyres
Having the wrong tyre pressures will affect fuel consumption. More importantly, it can also affect handling and braking. The correct pressures will be specified in the car’s handbook, which may also recommend higher pressures when carrying heavier loads. Inspect the tyres for cuts, bulges or uneven or excessive tread wear. Don’t forget to check the spare wheel and make sure that you know where to find the jack and basic toolkit as well.

Lights
Fully operating lights help to ensure that you can see and be seen and are a legal requirement at all times. It’s worth carrying a spare set of bulbs. One single working headlight is lethal – your car looks just like a motorbike to oncoming traffic. Check all lights regularly, with someone to help you if necessary. Don’t forget to include indicators, brake lights and fog lights. Lights pick up road dirt, particularly during winter. Wipe them with a cloth or newspaper to keep them clean.

Windscreen wipers
Any kind of windscreen damage may impair vision and distract attention, and can also make the windscreen dangerously weak in a crash. Your windscreen should be inspected regularly and replace a cracked or chipped screen as soon as possible. Some minor chips can be repaired by a windscreen specialist. Clean the inside of the screen regularly to reduce the blinding effect of the low sun. Windscreen wiper blades wear down over time and can smear or damage the windscreen if they become worn. Replace them at least once a year to get the best performance. Replacement kits often have universal fittings, but you must use the right adaptor to secure it properly.

The AA advises that older cars can give perfectly good service provided they are cared for, but you must not neglect servicing and should have cover in case they do break down which is inevitable eventually.

Petrol prices continue on a steady curve and are rising towards the record prices, which we saw in 2008. A litre of petrol now costs 127.7 cent, up a startling 5.30 cent since the start of the year.
While diesel remained rather static last month, it has risen sharply this month adding 2.20 cent per litre, up a total of 2.80 cent since the start of the year now averaging at 117.8 cent per litre.
The most significant factor affecting fuel prices in Ireland is recent dramatic changes in global oil prices. This has particular effect in Ireland due to our high dependency on oil. A barrel of oil now costs approximately $82, up $5 on last month.
In addition to this global phenomenon, Irish motorists are still suffering from the tax increases imposed in the last budget which added 4 cent to petrol and 5 cent to diesel. Irish tax hikes are often clouded by fluctuating global oil prices.
“What is most striking is how much fuel prices are headed towards 2008 prices,” says Director of Policy Conor Faughnan.

“If families, drivers on fixed incomes and those on low pay were unable to cope with record prices then, they are even less likely now.”

“Pedestrians will spill out onto the streets in crowded town and city centres, so no matter where you are you will need to be very careful,” says AA Director of Policy Conor Faughnan.

“There will be small children and other vulnerable road users about. Unfortunately, but undoubtedly, there will also be alcohol-fuelled behaviour that can see pedestrians do some extraordinarily stupid things.”

“People may step off of pavements or step into traffic inexplicably and suddenly. People may be dr ink

ing alcohol in the open air. Drivers are not to blame for the hazard, but clearly we have a major responsibility to slow down and take extra care, and to expect the unexpected.”

As well as the danger to life and limb, the AA is also warning of the danger to property and the risk of motor insurance claims.

“On St Patrick’s Day, many people will park their cars in unfamiliar places while they spend some hours in town. Our advice is to park legally and park safely. If you have the option to use public transport it can be the best way to get in to the celebrations.”

Almost 42 per cent of all drivers have never had to show their driving licence

to a Garda for any reason, and this was most likely to be true in Dublin and Leinster.

Females were more likely than males to report that they had never been stopped, likely to reflect the fact that males on balance tend to be higher mileage drivers than females, although that may be changing.

A quarter of all drivers now say that they have been breathalysed (this figure was highest in Dublin at 27 per cent).

“It is shocking that over 40 per cent of drivers have never needed to produce their driving licence,” says the AA’s Director of Policy Conor Faughnan.

“We go to so much trouble to get a licence and we are always told what an important document it is.” Nevertheless the survey does show a pattern of increasing Garda enforcement.

Nearly 17 per cent of Irish drivers have penalty points on their record currently. The vast majority of those have only 1 or 2 points on their licence. This would seem to indicate a penalty points system that is working effectively. Drivers who have received one warning are far more likely to moderate their behaviour. The numbers of drivers with multiple points incidents is extremely small, and the RSA reports that only 162 drivers (out of a licensed population of 2.6 million) are actually off the road at the moment with a points total exceeding 12.

Motorists who receive penalty points are often inclined to be unhappy with the circumstances. Slightly more than half of those surveyed (50.6%) felt that the circumstances in which they had been given penalty points were either somewhat unfair or very unfair. Females seem more likely to take it on the chin, so to speak, than their male counterparts. Only 41% of females, as opposed to 55.5% of males, felt that they had been given points in unfair circumstances.

This is according to an analysis of pump prices and tax changes in 10 western European countries.

Ireland’s haulage operators have witnessed the proportion of fuel cost that is tax, increase by 8.33%, well above the 2.89% average for the countries surveyed.

In five of those countries, the tax-take is lower now than in November 2008, reflecting the collapse in the European wholesale price of diesel. It is a saving that has been denied to Irish, UK, Dutch, Belgian and Spanish drivers.

“The cost of diesel has actually fallen 10 per cent or so since October / November 2008,” says  the Automobile Association’s Director of Policy Conor Faughnan. “You would never notice it because of the tax hikes, and the customer’s price has only fallen about 3 cents per litre (from €1.18 to €1.15) in that time.”

According to a recent AA poll of 3,000 Motorists, 85% of drivers have hit a pot hole within the last month with many drivers reporting that they are dealing with broken road surfaces on a daily basis.

Winter has left us with deep fractures in our roads as a reminder of the snow, ice and thaw that riddled

the country. The great Irish pothole, once the biggest complaint about our roads in years gone by, is back with a vengeance.

“2010 may be the year of the pothole,” says Director of Policy Conor Faughnan.

The AA poll, carried out by email between Friday 26th February and Tuesday 2nd March, asked drivers when was the last time that they hit a pothole while driving in Ireland. Overall, 85% reported having done so within the last month. The figure was lowest in Dublin (79%) and highest in Munster (91%) in counties most directly affected by the bad weather, notably Cork (92.6%) and Tipperary (93%).

“We got hundreds of detailed comments.Often it is just a bad road surface that locals get to know and be careful of. But it can be much more serious. A bad collision with a pothole can damage tyres and suspensions and could mean a costly repair, especially for those without comprehensive insurance,” Faughnan added.

For many, Monday was a beautiful, clear morning, but this did come with its difficulties for motorists because of the low, blinding sun.

In Co. Kildare the rising sun affected eastbound drivers on the M4 and M7. During the peak hours of 8am-10am over 11 collisions occurred on these two roads and traffic delays stretched for miles.

“A 50km stretch of the M7 motorway from Portlaoise to Naas was affected by a number of crashes that occurred around 8am, close to Monasterevin, (junction 14),” said Nicola Hudson, AA Roadwatch Controller.

“Long tailbacks occurred, and drivers then encountered further delays between the M7/M9 junction and Naas North (junction 9), where they faced the blinding glare of the low morning sun.”

“The M4 was also badly affected, as traffic headed east into the glare, icy conditions on the road enhanced the dazzling effect and Gardai were called to deal with eight collisions,” said Nicola. “Traffic between Kilcock (junction and Maynooth (junction 7) slowed to a crawl with a knock on effect on traffic in both towns.”

Over the coming weeks, the sun will remain low in the sky at dawn and dusk. Sunrise is just before 07.10am, and sunset just after 18.00 on the east coast – just perfect conditions for dazzling drivers into and out of Dublin from the Kildare side.

The ban  will apply even on wide thoroughfares like the North and South Quays , pointlessly frustrating ordinary traffic and infuriating careful motorists, according to the AA.

“There is just no sense in this.” commented Director of Policy Conor Faughnan. “30 kph zones work when they are engineered properly, in traffic calmed areas where they are self policing.

That’s what they are for.  But applying them en masse on roads that are engineered for high volumes at flowing speeds is absurd. We have problems enough countrywide trying to end the scourge of badly set speed limits without the capital city making a mockery of sensible road design.”

The AA believes that ban is a significant mistake, which will serve only to damage the reputations both of Dublin City Council and also of road safety campaigners who are trying to persuade drivers that speed limits should be respected.

The facility for Local Authorities to apply a 30kph limit was introduced in the Road Traffic Act of 2004 in the context of the switch to metric units. The ultra-low limit was designed to be used in specific locations, such as pedestrian-rich environments, shopping streets and school gates. It was never imagined that there would be a blanket imposition across a very large area.

“This appears to the AA to be more about ideology than reason. In road safety terms Dublin City is one of the safest places in the country. The road safety justification does not exist, and nor is there any reason to believe an assertion that a 24/7 30kph limit will improve traffic flow. You don’t even get any carbon benefit out it.”