asked the Minister for Justice whether vehicular traffic from Saint Stephen's Green East to Saint Stephen's Green South and from Saint Stephen's Green South to Saint Stephen's Green West, Dublin, is intended to be controlled by traffic lights at those junctions; if so, if he will ensure that immediate steps are taken to ensure that signals are erected in proper positions; if not, if he will have signs erected to indicate that such traffic is not controlled by such lights; and if having regard to the general confusion caused at present he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - St. Stephen's Green Traffic.
44.
The erection of traffic lights is a matter for the Dublin Corporation. Traffic lights are expensive and, where an experimental scheme of traffic movement is introduced, the Garda Síochána cannot expect the Corporation to erect new or additional lights until it is seen whether the scheme is going to be a success.
Right-turning traffic at the Leeson Street and Harcourt Street corners of St. Stephen's Green is not governed by the traffic lights at these junctions. I am not aware that this causes general confusion, but on the other hand it makes crossing by pedestrians difficult. Consequently, the Dublin Corporation has, as a temporary measure, placed an order for the erection of an additional signal-light which will bring right-turning traffic under the control of the lights and work on this is in progress.
This will lead to a slowing-up of the one-way traffic movement around St. Stephen's Green and, although the slowing-up may be significant, it will have to be accepted for the time being. Surveys have already been made, however, in preparation for the installation of a more comprehensive system of lights giving the effect of a "filter-right" provision but which will also have a phase for pedestrians who wish to cross the road.
Is the Minister aware that members of the Garda Síochána have reprimanded motorists for proceeding to the right around the junctions which the Minister says they are now free to go around and will he see to it that his statement here today is brought to the notice of the Garda Síochána in the area so that further motorists are not intimidated?
I have no intention of intimidating motorists. This matter will be dealt with expeditiously.
Will the Minister notify those members of the Garda Síochána concerned not to intimidate motorists who proceed to the right around the junctions which the Minister now says they are free to go around and whom the Minister says are not being intimidated?
The Gardaí on the spot have exercised their judgement and discretion in their usual courteous manner.
Is the Minister aware that the usual courteous fashion is such as to frighten motorists who have been led to believe that they must obey the traffic lights. While some motorists believe they must respect the traffic lights, others rely upon what the Minister says and endeavour to proceed. Would the Minister take steps to see that this is remedied?
An order for the erection of a signal light has been placed and it will be erected shortly.
In the meantime, perhaps the Gardaí will not ask people are they blind.