asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware of the continued failure of C.I.E. to provide suitable dimming devices for both single- and double-decker buses, as legally required in the interests of the public; and if he will introduce legislation with a view to imposing increased penalties for dousing the light or lights on the nearside to the oncoming driver.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dimming Devices on Buses.
I understand that only a small proportion of the C.I.E. bus fleet is now fitted with the older type of lighting, making use of a "dimming" mechanism which extinguishes the right-hand headlamp and deflects the other headlamp downwards. As these older vehicles go out of service, they will be replaced by vehicles with a double "dimming" device. I may add that the older type of device does not appear to contravene the law.
The question of the adequacy of penalties for breaches of the lighting regulations will be considered in connection with current proposals for new road traffic legislation.