Vol. 517 No. 6
364 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will allow the Garda Commissioner to delegate authority for traffic signals, such as signing and lining and other relevant issues, to the local Garda Superintendent who is more acquainted with the local area in order to speed up important decisions that could save lives in view of a report (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10586/00]
As the Deputy may be aware road traffic legislation is sponsored by the Minister for the Environment and Local Government and not myself. I am informed by the Garda authorities that section 37 of the Road Traffic Act 1994, (No. 7 of 1994), amended the provisions contained in section 95 of the Road Traffic Act, 1961, which obliged a local authority to obtain the consent of the Garda Commissioner before providing a traffic sign.
I understand that under the amended provisions, road authorities, including local authorities now have full discretion, subject only to a requirement that they consult with the Garda Commissioner, in advance of providing regulatory traffic signs. Under section 95 of the Road Traffic Act, 1961, as amended, the commissioner has delegated his functions in this regard to the local chief superintendent.
