Vol. 562 No. 1
458 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he will review the building regulations concerning the width of roads in housing developments to alleviate the problems being experienced in many new estates where lorries and fire engines have difficulties gaining access if there are motor vehicles parked on each side of the road. [5806/03]
462 Mr. O'Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if local authorities will be directed to make provision for ramps in residential areas as a condition of planning permission in the interest of pedestrian safety; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5217/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 458 and 462 together.
Traffic management and safety matters, including road design, are an integral part of the overall layout of new residential developments and should be undertaken at initial design stage.
In November 1998, my Department issued recommendations for site development works for housing areas which were intended for the guidance of local authorities, public authorities, private developers and consultants. The recommendations encourage road layout and alignments which seek to deter through traffic, to ensure very low traffic speeds and greater priority for pedestrians and cyclists within housing areas.
Guidelines for planning authorities on residential density issued by my Department in September 1999 also contain advice on road standards and referred authorities to guidance contained in publications such as: Places, Street and Movement – DETR 1998 – and the earlier Layout of Housing Roads Design Guide – DOE Northern Ireland 1988. Wider roads serve to encourage greater vehicle speeds and are not recommended under the above guidelines for residential areas.
