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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 27 Jan 2000

Vol. 513 No. 2

Written Answers. - Traffic Regulations.

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

163 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has satisfied himself with the level of policing of Dublin's quality bus corridors and bus lanes; his Department's strategy, if any, to deploy Garda resources in consultation with the Dublin local authorities to address the problem of traffic violations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2182/00]

I have been assured by the Garda Authorities that, as bus lanes are considered to be a critical element of the public transport system, special Garda attention is afforded to them.

I am informed by the Garda Authorities that between 35 and 40 motorcycles patrol the main arteries and orbital routes throughout the Dublin metropolitan region on a daily basis and that part of the operational plan implemented is the policing of quality bus corridors and bus lanes. I understand that, in general, there is broad compliance with the bus lane regulations by the majority of motorists and where offences take place appropriate action, including prosecutions are taken. In this regard, during 1999, a total of 6,480 prosecutions were instituted for bus lane infringements. The Deputy may be interested to know that the gardaí avail of closed circuit television and traffic control cameras to monitor bus lanes and general motorist behaviour.

I am further informed by the Garda Authorities that where there is evidence of non-compliance with the bus lane regulations intensive patrolling is arranged for a period of time and follow up Garda research has indicated that general compliance has improved as a result.
I might add that the gardaí attend monthly meetings with the other agencies involved in traffic management including each Dublin local authority, Dublin Bus and the Dublin Transportation Office to discuss the implementation and progress of quality bus corridor and cycle routes through the Dublin metropolitan region. It should be noted that issues concerning enforcement are raised at this forum and that the gardaí have been complimented there on the enforcement of the bus lane regulations.
Finally, I wish to assure the Deputy that inter-agency co-operation on the issue of bus lanes will continue and that daily liaison between the Garda Síochána and the local authorities on traffic management issues, including bus lane enforcement, is continuing.
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