asked the Minister for the Environment whether his Department took any steps to inform the public of the significance of the yellow crosshatched "boxes" painted on roadway junctions, and, if so, what steps.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Roadway Junctions.
23.
The introduction of these junctions in 1971 was accompanied by extensive publicity to make the public aware of the purpose and effect of these markings and of the procedures associated with their use. In addition the "Rules of the Road" booklet sets out clearly the obligations of drivers in regard to these junctions. The National Road Safety Association have also over the years highlighted their significance both in explanatory leaflets and through the television media. This aspect of traffic regulations has received and will continue to receive publicity to ensure a satisfactory level of public awareness.
Would the Minister accept from me, and I do not mean it contentiously, that the level of public information about the purpose of these junction boxes has been inperceptible? Was there ever a single large notice erected beside one of these things so that traffic approaching it could be told what it was there for?
I will check and let the Deputy know.
There never was such a thing.
If the Deputy thinks further publicity is necessary, I will arrange it.
Would the Minister accept that it would not be unfair to say that these junction boxes are another example of us trotting after the English, but not having even the gumption to do it as the English did, telling people, by way of notices, what they were. This is a case of not only Paddy but Paddy with the peak of his cap turned to the back.
These junctions were introduced in 1971 and were given publicity, not only through my Department but through the National Road Safety Association. The Deputy was in Government for more than four years. Did he take any steps to give them publicity?
Have these yellow boxes statutory force? Most people think they are dominoes or draught boxes. As far as I can see, nobody observes them.
Of course they have statutory force.
How many prosecutions have taken place since they were introduced?
I will find out if the Deputy wants to put down a question.
I know there have been none.
That is a separate question.
There have probably been as many prosecutions as there have been for throwing litter.
It is not my business to prosecute. The Department of Justice are responsible for prosecutions.
The Minister is lecturing us, and rightly so, day in and day out about the national disgrace of litter, yet when he was asked about this he said there were no prosecutions.
To what is the Deputy referring? The Department of Justice would have the information about the number of prosecutions.
The offence with regard to litter comes under the local planning Act which the Minister administers.