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Road Signage

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 16 October 2013

Wednesday, 16 October 2013

Questions (174)

Patrick Nulty

Question:

174. Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport in regard to speed cameras, if he will consider a matter raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43706/13]

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Written answers

Sections 4.5.8 and 4.5.9 of my Department's 2010 Traffic Signs Manual (TSM) detail the current Speed Camera symbols in use. While symbol F 40 is used to indicate the presence of a speed camera or such cameras along a road, there is presently no Speed Camera symbol within the TSM which displays the speed limit applying in a particular area. To so do so may imply a target, rather than an appropriate limit at which a motorist should drive. Such a scenario may serve to dilute the road safety aspects of Speed Camera signs in safety camera zones which are known to be dangerous locations, where speed related collisions occur. It should also be borne in mind that it is the responsibility of the motorist to be aware of the speed limit of the road on which they are driving. In terms of giving advance warning of prescribed speed limits in particular speed limit zones, sections 4.5.4 to 4.5.7 of the TSM – Speed Limits Ahead details when the Speed Limit Ahead sign –  F 401 may be used to warn drivers that they are either approaching a lower speed limit ahead, or approaching a special speed limit or an urban speed limit where the approach speed is likely to be high; i.e. at the approach to a town on a high speed national road.

In view of the road safety concerns already outlined, and bearing in mind that there are Repeater Speed Limit signs already in existence on either side of every junction on the road network where the speed limit changes, I see no merit in attaching yet another set of signs to existing Speed Camera signage.

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