Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 March 2021
93. Deputy Francis Noel Duffy asked the Minister for Transport if he has considered amending the statutory instrument on zebra crossings which requires Belisha beacons, which currently restricts installation due to increased costs compared with stand-alone white lines as used in other EU states and some counties in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14730/21]
View answerMy Department is looking at the criteria and legislation surrounding zebra crossings and use of Belisha beacons with a view to the possibility of relaxing the use of such beacons in certain situations.
Any amendments to the use of beacons and where they may or may not be legally required will have to be adequately researched so as to ensure they are implemented safely. The public will also need to be made aware of any proposed relaxation in requirements for Belisha beacons, possibly by means of a nationwide advertising campaign. In addition, experiences in other European countries of relaxing the use of beacons will need to be carefully considered to ascertain if road conditions in those countries are similar and comparable to Ireland. In particular, the deputy will appreciate that ensuring that such crossings are clearly visible to drivers in all weather conditions is essential to road safety and in that regard other parts of Europe have different conditions in that respect.
