Metric Changeover: Widespread confusion expected as motorists change to kph
With speedometers, speed limits and road signs all due to change to kilometers-per-hour this winter, there is expected to be widespread confusion as motorists adapt. Despite this, the Department of Transport has confirmed that it will not be asking for any relaxation of the Gardai's strict enforcement of the speeding laws. Instead it is to post all motorists holding an Irish driving licence an information pack explaining the new signs and speed limits.
As the changeover approaches, some motorists ordering their new cars now are being offered the opportunity to opt for kph speedometers. However, most are taking a wait and see approach. As BMW points out, despite its dealers advising customers to take the €700 option now to prevent losses at resale, few seem to be listening. "Six people have so far ordered their new cars with kph," notes BMW.
After January, it was hoped that new cars would come with a dominant kph reading and a smaller mph readout. However, because Britain ? Europe's biggest right-hand drive market - has no plans to switch to kph, car manufacturers say it is not viable for them to produce right-hand drive cars with special speedometers just for Ireland.
This will mean that most new cars from next year will have continental style kph-only speedometers. The introduction of such cars is expected to severely impact on the import and export of cars to and from Britain and Northern Ireland.
It will also cause problems for motorists travelling into Britain, as they attempt to convert kph into mph.