Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 2 March 2023
32. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if he will outline his plans to bring forward legislative provision for experimental road traffic orders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10513/23]
View answerIn recent years and particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic, many local authorities have sought to implement certain traffic and transport related measures on roads and streets. The types of measures developed included widening of footpaths to accommodate social distancing, development of temporary cycling facilities, enhancing pedestrian movement including additional pedestrianisation, and alterations to bus stops/routes. Most of the interventions were implemented through temporary construction involving bollards, pencil cones, plastic barriers, road markings and signage. The two main legislative provisions to enable the implementation of the above physical measures are: Section 95 of the Road Traffic Act 1961 (as amended by Section 37 of the Road Traffic Act 1994) and Section 38 of the Road Traffic Act 1994. Neither of these require approval by Councillors as the power to implement them lies with the Council Executive. My department along with the NTA and local authorities are currently working on new guidelines to support the use of section 38 to include the potential piloting of traffic schemes which in turn should facilitate better engagement with the public as well as helping to improve design for final implementation beyond pilots. As part of this work separate guidelines supporting the reallocation of street space are also being developed. The guidelines supporting the use of Section 38 will be designed to be complementary to existing procedures and guidelines in use but will allow for additional options for local authorities, supporting the rollout of traffic and transport related measures on roads and streets. The development of these guidelines are well advanced.
