asked the Minister for Local Government whether he will give consideration to having traffic lights regulated so as to provide flashing red or amber lights as appropriate from midnight until six a.m., as at present motorists are subject to long delays at red lights at some junctions although no cross traffic is approaching; or if, alternatively, a speed-up of change from red to green could be provided for at these hours.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Regulation of Traffic Lights.
41.
I am not satisfied that the implementation of the Deputy's first suggestion would be in the interests of road safety. As to the Deputy's second suggestion, practically all traffic light signals in this country are vehicle-actuated and, accordingly, if the installation is maintained properly, the green phase should be obtained with a minimum of delay. It has been found, however, that delays at some junctions are caused by faults in the control mechanism of these light signals and in this connection I am asking the local authorities concerned to ensure that traffic signals generally are maintained satisfactorily and to examine the phasing of the signals.