asked the Minister for the Environment if he will outline his Department's policy relating to road direction signs denoting distance; and if he will confirm (i) that the use of signposts by local authorities will denote distance in kilometres rather than miles (ii) that denoting distance in miles is to be discontinued in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter of regularising the present confused state.
Written Answers. - Road Direction Signs.
167.
In 1977, a phased programme providing for the introduction of a new system of information traffic signs was launched in respect of the national road network. Under this programme, distances denoted in all new replacement signs is shown in kilometres. At this stage, signs complying with the new system have been provided over approximately 85 per cent of the national road network. The programme will be completed in 1989.
In 1987, local authorities were informed by my Department that the provision of new and replacement informative signs showing distances in kilometres should be extended to non-national roads. The programme of replacing such signs will necessarily take longer.