Vol. 503 No. 3
393 Mr. J. McGuinness asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he will consider devolving the power of traffic control, parking restrictions, residents only car park ing regulations to each local authority as a matter of urgency; if he will review legislation in this area to make it more user friendly and flexible for local authority use; the further intentions, if any, he has in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9878/99]
The role and discretion of local authorities in relation to the management of traffic has been considerably extended by the Road Traffic Act, 1994 and Regulations made under it.
The Act assigned full responsibility to local authorities, subject only to consultation with the Garda and-or the National Roads Authority (in relation to national roads), for implementing a broad range of traffic management measures; these have been more fully designated in subsequent Regulations. Similar devolution has been made to local authorities in the application of speed limits and traffic calming measures.
Local authorities now also have discretion in relation to the adoption of schemes for paid parking and in providing associated schemes of allowances for residents in locations where paid parking applies.
