Bernard Allen
Question:307 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he proposes to introduce legislation which will allow doctors to use flashing lights on their cars when going on emergency calls. [4781/01]
Written Answers. - Traffic Regulations.
The use of flashing roof lights on vehicles must be limited to protect their effectiveness and to preserve the safety and convenience of road users. It has been the position of successive Governments to allow blue flashing lights to be used by the Garda and emergency service vehicles only. The vehicles involved would normally be well distinguished from private cars.
Amber flashing lights are permitted on Customs and Excise patrol vehicles, breakdown vehicles, refuse collection vehicles and on certain other utilities' vehicles in use at the scene of operations. The purpose of these lights is to alert the public to the presence of a possible road traffic hazard and the vehicles concerned are normally well distinguished from private cars.
In line with the general requirement to limit use of flashing roof lights, extension of their use to doctors' cars, which would normally be private vehicle types, is not contemplated at this stage.