Vol. 566 No. 1
590 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Transport the number of locations where accident reduction measures have been carried out to date since 1998; the number to be completed before the end of the year; the specific location of all works to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12332/03]
Low cost accident measures have continued to be extended across the national road network, with 418 schemes completed by the end of 2002. Some 90 further measures have been approved for 2003. The specific locations of all works to date is a matter for the NRA.
Low cost safety improvement works on non-national roads were introduced for the first time in 2000 and are the responsibility of the Minister for the Environment and Local Government.
Question No. 591 answered with Question No. 563.
592 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Transport his plans regarding the fitting of spray suppression devices to heavy goods vehicles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12334/03]
596 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Transport if his Department has fully implemented the 1989 EC Directive 89/377 on spray suppression; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12340/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 592 and 596 together.
Irish regulations require that, subject to certain exemptions, every vehicle and every trailer attached to a vehicle should be equipped with wings or other similar devices to catch, so far as practicable, mud or water thrown up by the rotation of the wheels, unless adequate protection is afforded by the body of the vehicle.
Directive 91/226/EEC sets out the technical requirements which a spray suppression system must meet to obtain EC type approval certification for heavy goods vehicles. The purpose of the directive is to ensure that national standards for spray suppression equipment do not constitute barriers to trade. The directive ensures this by setting type approval standards and requiring that the sale of new vehicles fitted with the specified equipment may not be prohibited in any member state.
593 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Transport his plans regarding the use of daytime running lights; the conclusions drawn from the review of the policy to date; the number of pilot programmes introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12335/03]
The Government's strategy for road safety 1998 to 2002 referred to international interest in and experience of daytime running lights, DRL, as an instrument of road safety that warranted serious consideration in Ireland. International research literature on DRL, however, indicates differing perceptions of its effectiveness as a road safety tool. Certain vulnerable road users also have concerns about a perceived detrimental effect on them arising from the use of DRL by motor vehicles. It also raises some energy consumption and climate change issues.
Having regard to the contradicting views on the effectiveness of DRL on road safety, the European Commission decided to undertake its own comprehensive study in the matter and has tendered for a services contract for a project to assess the crash reducing effectiveness of daytime running lights together with their effect on crashes into pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and other vulnerable road users.
One pilot project on the use of DRL was carried out by Dublin City Council in 2002. Results from an evaluation of the project are not yet to hand. Lessons from the pilot project, as well as the views of various groups that have concerns about a general application of DRL together with the outcome of the study at EU level and the Commission's response to it, will inform decisions regarding the future promotion of DRL.
594 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Transport his proposals to enhance school bus safety in line with the Government road safety strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12336/03]
In line with a commitment in the Government's strategy for road safety 1998 to 2002, a consultation paper that set out a wide range of options for enhancing school bus safety was published by my Department last year. Following an extended consultation period a large number of responses were received. These are now being reviewed and discussions are taking place between my Department and the Department of Education and Science in regard to identifying a cost-effective approach to enhancing road safety for school transport at a time of competing priorities for Exchequer expenditure.
