Petition calls for review of N25 speed transition amid increase in penalty points
Organisers say they have no issue with the speed limit but there isn't enough of a distance for people to slow down to meet it
A petition calling on Kilkenny County Council to review of the new static speed camera on the N25 at Glenmore has gained 1,649 signatures in the last few days.
The petition calls for a review of the transition between speed limits amid an increase in penalty points.
The speed limit on this specific stretch of road was recently reduced from 100 km/h to 80, but organisers say careful drivers are being caught out due to the short transition distance.
“Many drivers are receiving fines and penalty points at this location.
"The transition from 100 km/h to 80 km/h appears to occur over a very short distance.
“The 100 km/h speed limit sign is positioned before a slight bend in the road, the road then quickly leads into the lower 80 km/h speed limit zone.
“This may not allow sufficient distance for drivers to safely and gradually reduce speed before reaching the fixed speed camera.
“This petition is not asking for speeding to be ignored, but for a fair and reasonable speed limit transition that allows drivers adequate time and distance to reduce speed safely,” say the organisers.
Specifically, the petition is calling for the speed limit transition distance to be reviewed as well as the placement of signage.
It also calls for additional warning signage and to “ensure the road layout prioritises safety, clarity, and fair enforcement”.
“While drivers are expected to be aware of their surroundings, road signage and speed limits should provide adequate time and distance for a reasonable person to respond safely.
The current placement of the 100 km/h sign followed by the 80 km/h limit, creates a situation where even careful and attentive drivers may not have sufficient time to adjust their speed safely.
“This is not about blaming drivers — it is about ensuring the road layout and signage are designed to promote safety and fair enforcement for everyone,” wrote the organisers.
The new speed limit was introduced in an effort to reduce the number of fatalities and serious crashes on the section of the N25.
The change was the result of a community-led campaign supported by Kilkenny County Council.
In June last year, hundreds turned out to a public meeting organised by the campaign group at the Rhu Glenn.
The meeting was a forum for the local communities on the N25 to share their stories and concerns as well as experts to give their opinion and Kilkenny County Council the opportunity to explain the challenges of making the road safer.
Also in attendance on the night was Garda Superintendent Gavin Hegarty, who spoke on behalf on An Garda Síochana.
He gave a very powerful speech on the dangers of speeding and other road offences which the gardaí are seeing all too often and called for drivers to take more care on the road.
