asked the Minister for Local Government if he will make available to all local authorities a standard specification for battery operated stop signs for school traffic wardens.
123.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - School Traffic Signs.
122.
asked the Minister if he will issue a circular to all local authorities requesting them as a matter of urgency to erect hand operated pedestrian traffic lights where school entrances are on main roads.
124.
asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware of the hazardous conditions in which school traffic wardens work in South County Dublin; and if he will take steps to improve the safety factor and minimise the danger involved in this work.
125.
asked the Minister for Local Government if he has any plans to ensure that school traffic wardens in the Dublin area are provided with reflectorised outer clothing and battery-operated lighted equipment to ensure maximum visibility on dark mornings.
I propose, with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, to take Questions Nos. 122, 123, 124 and 125 together.
The signs used by school wardens in Dublin, and elsewhere, are reflective and the wardens are provided with reflective armbands. From investigations made by my Department, I am not satisfied that battery operated "stop" signs for use by a school warden would produce a sufficient level of illumination to warn drivers effectively of his presence on the road. Batteries can only provide a comparatively low level of light, the effect of which would be greatly diminished or obliterated by more powerful lighting in the background for example, street lighting, shops and car headlamps.
Further consideration is being given to the question of making a school warden more readily visible to traffic, whether in darkness or daylight. In this connection, my Department are keeping in touch with developments in other countries in relation to the safety of school wardens, with a view to adopting such improved measures as may be feasible.
The possibility of providing more clear-cut advance warning of crossing places where school wardens operate is also being considered.
The provision of pedestrian operated light signals is a matter for the road authority acting at the request or with the consent, of the Commissioner of the Garda Síochána.