Lowering the default speed limit on built up Irish roads could save drivers as much as 20% of the cost of their car insurance, a campaign group has suggested. 

In Britain, where a significant number of local authorities have adopted 20m/ph speed limits in built areas, car insurance costs have fallen. 

Confused.com’s Steve Dukes said lower speed limits mean fewer accidents and are a “key factor” in reducing the cost of insurance.

On Newstalk Breakfast,  Love 30 Campaign spokesperson Mairéad Forsythe said it would be hugely beneficial for Ireland to adopt 30km/ph as the “default” limit in built up areas as well. 

 “That would be cities, towns, villages, residential estates, outside schools and other places where a lot of people are moving about,” she explained. 

“This has already been provided for in legislation in the Road Traffic Act of 2024, which provided for a default of 30km/ph in built up areas.” 

Ms Forsythe continued that the introduction of 60km/ph on local roads in rural areas has been implemented “smoothly and effectively”. 

“The Department and the Minister are now saying that the reduction in built up areas will be done by means of guidelines,” she said. 

“And that local authorities can designate those at their own discretion. 

“We believe that this is… contrary to the legislation.” 

Traffic on Dublin's Wexford Street. Picture by: Alamy.com. 

There are, she conceded, a number of reasons why lower speed limits are difficult to implement. 

“It can be difficult to define a built up area,” she said. 

“There are definitely within all the legislation that’s there, there’s 85 towns and cities that can be done at the stroke of a pen if the Department were willing - that’s one reason. 

“Maybe, some people, TDs and Senators may not want lower speed limits in their area? 

“They may think it’s not in their interest.” 

Ms Forsythe added that it has been “proven” that 30km/ph speed limits have a “negligible” impact on journey times. 

“It’s also been proven that it saves lives and reduces injuries,” she said. 

“Interestinly in Wales, it resulted in something like a 20% reduction in car insurance premiums.” 

So far this year, 127 people have died on Irish roads - six fewer than during the same period in 2024.

Main image: A motor insurance certificate with a car key. Picture by: Brian Jackson / Alamy Stock Photo