asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware of the large number of accidents occurring owing to unlighted vehicles being parked on roads; and if he is satisfied that the penalties at present in force are adequate to deal with the situation.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Unlighted Vehicles.
24.
I am aware that the parking of unlit vehicles on public roads at night time is a hazard for other road users. With this in mind I have recently announced my intention to make regulations making it obligatory for large vehicles to have their rears and sides marked with reflectorised and fluorescent materials. These regulations which, it is intended, will come into operation on 1st September next will of course be in addition to the existing ones which require that vehicles parked at night time in public places which are not well lit should have certain specified lamps lighted.
With regard to the penalties I am satisfied that the existing ones are adequate and I might point out that the penalty for dangerously parking an improperly lit vehicle at night time is very severe indeed.
Is the Minister aware of a number of cases where vehicles are abandoned on roads and left unlit? Is there any machinery open to him to have them removed?
As I said, there are substantial penalties in those cases and there is adequate power to have those vehicles removed if they are causing obstruction.
In view of the fact that a lot of confusion is caused by white lights on the side of large vehicles would the Minister consider a regulation specifying different coloured lights for the side of vehicles?
My intention to prescribe reflectorised markings for that purpose has been announced.
What colour?
Yellow on the sides and red on the rear.
Good.