The Garda are pleased with the operation of the new speed limit and metric signage regime in its first day of operation.
Some 58,000 signs displaying speed limits in kilometres have been erected since the turn of the year and and came into effect at midnight.
Despite a 10 mph drop in the speed limit on 90 per cent of roads, the Garda Traffic Bureau warned that drivers should not expect any special treatment as they become accustomed to the new limits.
They have no plans for extra speed checks or any greater presence on the roads over the next few days and Chief Insp John Farrelly said careful drivers have nothing to fear from the new as there are only four speed limits.
"It's not complicated, there are only four new speed limits . . . and the public have been inundated ad nauseumwith adverts on television and radio and with millions of leaflets," he said.
There have been no incidents of particular note reported, the Garda press office said today, although concern has been expressed about new signs erected with high speed limits outside schools.
The Minister for Transport, Mr Cullen, said yesterday that local authorities were to blame and noted that although Opposition parties have criticised the speed at which the new measures have been implemented, they hold power on many councils.
The most dramatic change of which motorists must be aware is the lowering by 20 per cent of the speed limit on the 96,000 kilometres of non-national roads. Now set at 80km/h (50 mph), this new limit is designed to slow motorists on what are Ireland's most dangerous roads.
"We obviously need a greater visibility and more Garda presence on our roads," said Mr Brian Farrell from the National Safety Council. "But there remains a clear responsibility on motorists to exercise greater caution over the next few days."
However, problems are already appearing. Although many motorists are aware of the changes, they are raising concerns that they are unable to clearly make out the km/h reading on their speedometers.
On the vast majority of pre-2005 cars, the mph readings dominate with km/h readings often appearing in very small text.
"This is an issue with motorists," said Mr Conor Faughnan of the AA. "It's very frustrating but there doesn't seem to be any simple answer."