asked the Minister for Justice the present position with regard to Stop signs.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Traffic Stop Signs.
91.
As I stated in a reply of 11th July last, the Garda Síochána, acting on legal advice, are not bringing any prosecutions merely for failure to stop at "stop" signs. It can often happen, however, that such failure constitutes dangerous or careless driving and in such a case the gardaí would, of course, prosecute for that offence in the ordinary way.
I understand that what is being done, in fact, is that the Stop signs are being removed and they are being replaced by Yield right of way signs. Would the Minister take steps, in collaboration with his colleague, the Minister for Local Government, to speed up the process because it is undoubtedly confusing? Quite recently I saw a statement from the Bench to the effect that Stop signs were still operative to impose the obligation on a person to stop. That does not seem to be so.
No. Stop signs are still authorised signs. They are in some places being replaced by Yield right of way signs but this is not general. In fact, new by-laws covering the whole matter are at the moment in course of preparation. These by-laws are a matter for the Commissioner of of the Garda Síochána in the first instance and are subject to the approval of the Minister for Local Government.
All I want the Minister to do is to make the position plain to people because there is a certain amount of confusion and I want people to know whether they are obliged to stop when they see a Stop sign or if their obligation is to stop only if not stopping would constitute dangerous driving.
Yes. I think I made it as clear as I can. Stop signs are still authorised signs, although, because of certain legal complications, the gardaí are not any longer bringing prosecutions merely for failure to stop at Stop signs. Failure to do so, however, could in many instances constitute careless or dangerous driving. In such case a prosecution can be brought.
For the dangerous driving, not for the failure to stop at the Stop sign?
Not simply for failure to obey the Stop sign.