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Road Safety.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 February 2004

Tuesday, 17 February 2004

Questions (342, 343)

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

428 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport his views on whether some cyclists, especially at night, disregard the rules of the road; and if he will launch a public information and safety campaign in this regard. [4662/04]

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Written answers

The Road Traffic Acts provide the basis for the application of a range of controls and restrictions on pedal cyclists. Many of the controls, certain of which also apply to other traffic, are provided for in the Road Traffic (Traffic and Parking) Regulations 1997 and 1998.

Requirements in relation to the lighting of vehicles generally are set out in the Road Traffic (Lighting of Vehicles) Regulations 1963. These regulations provide that pedal cycles must be fitted with front and rear lights which must be operated during lighting up hours. These regulations also require cycles to be equipped with a rear reflector so as to be plainly visible at night-time by the headlamps of a motor vehicle directly behind. The promotion of road safety awareness generally is a matter for the National Safety Council. The council has produced a range of material that is aimed directly at the promotion of the safe use of roads by pedal cyclists.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

429 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport his views on whether some pedestrians wander across busy streets often disregarding nearby pedestrian facilities; and if he will intensify information and safety campaigns in this regard. [4663/04]

View answer

Statutory obligations for pedestrians to exercise care and take all reasonable precaution in order to avoid causing danger or inconvenience to traffic and other pedestrians are set out in the Road Traffic (Traffic and Parking) Regulations 1997. These obligations include — a specific requirement that pedestrians should not cross a roadway within 15 metres of a pedestrian crossing facility. The National Safety Council has responsibility for the promotion of road safety awareness generally. One of the major campaigns that the council is promoting concentrates on pedestrian safety.

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