Ballinahown worst for speeding in Westmeath as almost 90% of drivers exceed limit

Ballinahown has recorded the highest rate of speeding in Westmeath.

According to new data, 88% of more than 120,000 vehicles recorded travelling through the village exceeded the 50km/h speed limit. The average speed recorded in Ballinahown was 66km/h.

Glasson had a more moderate rate of speeding, with 34% of drivers exceeding the 50km/h speed limit.

Across Westmeath, more than half of the 1.1 million vehicles recorded by 15 roadside speed signs were travelling above the speed limit as they approached, according to a new analysis of council data.

The monitored locations included Clonmellon, Killulagh, Ballinacarrigy, Moyvore, Glasson, Clonbonny, Castledaly and Kilbeggan, with speeding rates exceeding 50% at eight of the sites.

These included Ballinahown (88%), Ballinacarrigy Westbound (76%), Kilbeggan Eastbound (75%), Moyvore Eastbound (74%), Kilbeggan Northbound (73%), Castledaly Local Road at Cemetery (70%), Moyvore Westbound (69%) and Castledaly Northbound (67%).

The only location to record a 'low' level of speeding was on the N52 at Killulagh, where 17% of vehicles exceeded the speed limit.

The analysis was carried out by Chill Insurance using data obtained from Westmeath County Council under the Access to Information on the Environment (AIE) Regulations.

The figures were gathered from vehicle-activated speed signs, which display an approaching vehicle's speed to the driver while recording the speed of each vehicle as it passes the sign.