asked the Minister for the Environment if he will allow green flashing beacons on doctors' cars while driving to emergencies; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Beacons on Doctors' Cars.
451.
The use of a green colour in traffic lights, to indicate that it is safe to proceed, is provided for under International Conventions but not for use on vehicles on emergency journeys. The Road Traffic (Lighting of Vehicles) Regulations, 1963-1979 provide for the use of blue flashing lights in certain restricted cases viz. on fire brigade, Garda Síochána, ambulance and blood transfusion vehicles and the use of amber flashing lights on certain limited categories of stationary or slow moving vehicles.
A proliferation of flashing lights on vehicles would reduce their effectiveness. The use of green flashing lights on the lines indicated in the question could be confusing in some circumstances and might not be safe, particularly in crowded traffic situations. I do not propose to amend the regulations to provide for the use of special flashing lights on doctors' cars.