Motorists in Ireland adapt to the introduction of speed limits set in kilometres per hour rather than miles.

On the first day metric speed limits are introduced drivers are still getting to grips with the new rules.

Kilometres rule now rather than miles.

Around sixty thousand new speed signs have been put in place on the country's roads. The transition from miles to kilometres has meant that speed limits have been reduced on nine out of ten roads.

Gardaí were on patrol in Cork with new speed detecting machines using kilometres per hour and say they will not show any leniency to drivers speeding.

Not all drivers are clear on how miles per hour equate to kilometres per hour.

Conor Faughnan of AA Roadwatch says that Ireland has a speeding problem and points to a general disregard for speed limits many of which are set incorrectly.

If you go out onto any road in the country now, you will see drivers speeding.

Eddie Shaw of the National Safety Council says that the onus is now on local authorities to inform local communities about the new speed limits.

An RTÉ News report broadcast on 20 January 2005. The reporter is Paul Cunningham.