22 November 2002: A nationwide review of speed limits is to be undertaken during next year, with a view to making them more realistic.

Speaking yesterday at the Semperit Irish Car of the Year awards ceremony, minister for transport Seamus Brennan said that if speed limits are to be respected, they must be sensible. And as an example, he expressed a ‘private view’ that the controversial 40mph limit on the Stillorgan Road in Dublin ‘should be 50mph’.

The minister said the review will be part of a planned changeover to metric speed limit signage, from MPH to kilometers per hour.

He also confirmed that the balance of the penalty points offences will be rolled out through 2003, and that he expects his 'credit card' driving licences to be made available in the early part of the year.