asked the Minister for Justice (a) if he will consider the question of making it compulsory on cyclists to exhibit a red rear light or reflector at night; (b) if he will consider the advisability of having the important main roads in the vicinity of Dublin patrolled occasionally by a motor cyclist Gárda in view of the infraction of the lighting regulations by drivers of motor lorries, horse carts and push-bike cyclists.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Bicycle Rear Lights.
I understand that the question of making rear lights or reflectors compulsory on bicycles at night is receiving the attention of the Minister for Local Government and Public Health in connection with the Road Traffic Bill. As regards the second part of the question, there are no Gárda Síochána motor-cycle traffic patrols attached to any of the divisions adjoining the metropolitan area. There are, however, three such patrols attached to the latter area, and they pay attention not only to roads within their own area but to the main trunk roads leading into the metropolis. During the year ended 31st December last these motor-cycle patrols in addition to the men on ordinary beat duty and patrol in the county and the city of Dublin were responsible for the following prosecutions in respect of breaches of the regulations dealing with the lighting of vehicles, viz:
|
Breaches of the Lights on Vehicles Acts |
2,141 |
|
Motor Lighting Offences |
2,258 |
|
Total |
4,399 |
I am of opinion that the law relating to lights on vehicles is adequately enforced, and I do not consider that there is any real necessity for additional patrols.
Mr. Wolfe
Arising out of the reply to the second part of the question, I should like the Minister to know that at least on one of the roads with which I am intimately acquainted the lighting regulations are disobeyed to a very serious extent in places where the culprits think they will get off without being caught, and there is no other way that I can see of bringing them to justice except some such way as I have suggested.
Will the Deputy ask the Minister a question?
I promise the Deputy that if he furnishes me with particulars as to the road in question we shall keep a special eye upon it.
Might I ask the responsible Minister when we are going to have the Traffic Bill which has been promised for many months?
That will arise later.