asked the Minister for Local Government whether, having regard to the tendency of many motorists to keep to the centre of the roadway and the fact that it is becoming necessary for the roadways to carry a greater volume of vehicular traffic, he will introduce legislation to make it an offence not to keep as near as practicable to the left side of roadways save when overtaking other vehicles; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Traffic Regulations.
26.
Mr. Ryan
Legislation is not necessary for this. It can be dealt with by general bye-laws under Section 88 of the Road Traffic Act, 1961, made by the Commissioner of the Garda Síochána with my consent. The existing bye-laws, that is, the General Bye-laws for the Control of Traffic, 1937-1959, contain provisions on the subject.
I indicated on 20th June in reply to a question by Deputy Corish that officers of the Garda, in consultation with officers of my Department, are working on new, comprehensive bye-laws under Section 88 of the 1961 Act and that all matters to be dealt with by the bye-laws will be fully considered.
I would advise road users in the meantime to study and follow the advice given at page 8 of the "Rules of the Road".
Mr. Ryan
Is the Minister in a position to state when we may anticipate publication of the promised booklet setting out comprehensively the various rules and regulations under the Road Traffic Act?
That seems to be a new question.
I am not quite sure but subject to correction, the general idea is that until all the various bye-laws and regulations have been made, the compilation of a booklet would be a waste of time, so that we are awaiting the completion of these regulations and then probably as soon as possible after that, we will issue a comprehensive document.
27.
asked the Minister for Local Government whether his attention has been drawn to reports that, in the event of Britain's becoming a member of the European Economic Community, the traffic laws will be changed so as to conform with the continental practice of driving on the right hand side of the road; whether his Department have considered the possibility of this country taking any similar step; whether any estimate has been made of the cost of such a step; and whether the possible effects of such a step are being taken into consideration in the making of plans for the reorganisation of Dublin city traffic.
I have not seen it stated that if Britain becomes a member of the European Economic Community her traffic laws will be changed to provide for driving on the right. I understand that in Britain a study is being made of what would be involved in changing to driving on the right but I am not aware that any decision has been taken to effect such a change.
In this country, rules relating to driving are matters for consideration in connection with the power of the Commissioner of the Garda Síochána to make general bye-laws under Section 88 of the Road Traffic Act, 1961. I can say, however, that a change to driving on the right is not at present proposed or being considered.