asked the Minister for Local Government if, in view of the extension of clearways, any steps are taken to ensure that parking meters will not be erected on roads which may soon be designed as clearways and thus avoid unnecessary expenditure of public funds.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Parking Meters.
56.
This is a matter for the Garda and Dublin Corporation. I should draw the Deputy's attention to the fact that parking meters in Dublin at present operate between the hours of 8 a.m. and 6.30 p.m. on Mondays to Fridays and that clearways operate only from 8 a.m. to 9.30 a.m. and from 5 p.m. to 6.30 p.m. also on Mondays to Fridays. Parking meters provided on clearway routes bear a plate indicating the hours during which parking is permitted and there should be no inconsistency, therefore, in having parking meters provided on routes which at certain times are clearways.
Is the Minister aware that there was a headline in yesterday's Evening Press to the effect that the 22nd February is to be blitz day for the Dublin motorist? Is he aware that it has also been stated recently that Dublin Corporation intend to extend the operation of meters? Seeing that it has been announced as being the intention of the Minister to limit private vehicle traffic through the city, does he think it appropriate at this time that Dublin Corporation should proceed to increase the number of meters? As the Minister has announced his intention to limit the traffic of private vehicles through the city does he think it appropriate that Dublin Corporation should increase the number of meters? If the Minister is successful in prohibiting private cars from entering the city the parking meters will just be ornaments.
That is a hypothetical situation. If it was decided at some future date not to allow private motor vehicles to use a particular route, it is quite a simple matter to remove the parking metters from that place and erect them elsewhere.
It might be simple to do that but Dublin Corporation would require more money in order to be able to do so.
Parking meters will not become redundant.
(Cavan): If the Minister saved money here he would have more money for Cavan.
57.
asked the Minister for Local Government if, in connection with the more stringent parking controls in Dublin city, he will state whether any vehicles or types of vehicle will be exempt from the regulations relating to parking and clearways.
Parking and clearways in Dublin are controlled respectively by bye-laws and temporary rules, made by the Garda Commissioner. The operation of meter parking places is controlled by rules made by Dublin Corporation. The grant of any exemptions from parking and clearway restrictions additional to those already provided, would be a matter for the Garda and Dublin Corporation.
Are many vehicles exempt from those parking regulations?
Yes, disabled drivers driving manually operated vehicles are exempt.
What about State cars?
Special laws also apply to cars driven by members of the Garda Síochána.