Shane Moynihan (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I am pleased the Topical Issue matter I raise has been selected for discussion. It relates to safety concerns around the use of signage-only zebra crossings, as are permitted under Department of Transport guidelines from February 2024.

Pedestrian crossings are something I often sought as a councillor, as I believe they are key to encouraging active travel, especially for older pedestrians and children. We want the latter to get in the habit of walking to school and crossing roads safely. As a local representative, much like the Minister of State and other Deputies, one of the most common requests we get is to consider the installation of a pedestrian crossing, whether it is controlled or uncontrolled. When we think of a pedestrian crossing, many of us think of the controlled version or the classic one which is known as the type A crossing - the one with the flashing beacons - but I understand how we have arrived at the situation where type B crossings are the ones that are being introduced. Recently, I reviewed the results of the 2022 pilot study by the NTA which evaluated the effectiveness of the signage-only crossings. In the eight pilot schemes, it was found that they were safe, effective and economical.

I am aware of what drove the need to consider these types of crossing. It is due to the reduced installation and maintenance costs, but we must also ensure they are safe not only for drivers but pedestrians, cyclists and other road users.

The reason I raise the matter today is because we have seen the installation of these pedestrian crossings at scale in my constituency, in areas like the Old Lucan Road, Palmerstown, Main Street, Newcastle, and Castle Road and St. Finian's, Lucan, as well, where local representatives have sought the consideration of the installation of pedestrian crossings. The local authorities have responded, in adherence to national guidelines, by installing the signage-only crossings.

However, in the same breath, I have also been inundated in recent weeks with concerns raised by road users, be they pedestrians, drivers or cyclists, about the safety concerns arising from these crossings. Many of them relate to a lack of visibility for drivers approaching the crossings. Concerns have arisen for pedestrians because they realise that drivers do not notice the crossings or, for whatever reason, they do not react in time to stop. Perhaps it is because they do not see the luminous strip or the signage that is there, either because public lighting in the area is not sufficient, it is obstructed by trees, or there is not enough advance warning given on the roads.

Accordingly, there is a loss of trust in these crossings as a safe way for pedestrians to cross the road. However, I believe there are still economical engineering solutions that would enhance the safety of these crossings. We are familiar with Belisha beacons. I understand the rationale of the NTA to move away from these beacons because of the excessive wiring and maintenance costs attached to them but I ask that the Department would consider the installation of solar powered or battery powered Belisha beacons, which are economical and do not require the heavy wiring and maintenance costs attached to the original crossings. I fully understand the NTA's position because one of the frustrations I have had with controlled crossings being opened in recent years is that ESB Networks is under incredible pressure, and that leads to a delay with the installation of pedestrian crossings.

There is a happy medium. It is worth looking at innovative new technology like the solar powered battery Belisha beacons that do not require wiring. We could also consider other enhancements for signage-only crossings. I refer to more advanced markings on the road to indicate to drivers that there is a crossing ahead. I am also interested in hearing from the Department on whether research has been done on how driver behaviour must be influenced and on educated to help people to adjust to the new crossings. We must all encourage active travel and safety, but a review of the design standards is necessary to enhance safety for all road users.

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