asked the Minister for Local Government when he proposes to make regulations to provide for reflective back number plates for motor vehicles; and what colour thereof will be permitted.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Identification Marks on Motor Vehicles.
34.
The Deputy will have seen from a notice published in the press on 29th January, 1969, that it is proposed to amend the existing regulations so as to permit the display of identification marks on motor vehicles on a reflectorised surface. As indicated in the press notice it is proposed that, if this permission is availed of, the rear identification mark shall be formed of black letters and figures on a red reflectorised surface. I shall have to reconsider any views received on the proposal before deciding to proceed with it and so I am not yet in a position to indicate when the proposed regulations will be made.
Is the Minister not aware that in other countries the rear number plate has black lettering on a yellow base? Does he not think it desirable that we should conform with international practice in this respect as we conform in all other respects in the case of road traffic signs with international practice?
There are reasons for this. The Road Traffic Regulations, 1963, provide that where reflectorised material is used the colour shall be red facing to the rear, amber to the side and white facing to the front. It seems desirable to adhere to this colour scheme. I am prepared to receive views on this and to consider them.
Would the Minister also take the views of Bord Fáilte on this matter from the point of view of tourism? Tourists' cars coming over here would have to have a special set of number plates.
We are also considering side marks on commercial vehicles and yellow or amber is the colour for that. That is the reason why red was considered more appropriate for this. It is not a final decision.
Will the Minister check the views of Bord Fáilte and consider them?
Yes, I will.