Written answers

Tuesday, 23 May 2006

9:00 pm

Photo of Olivia MitchellOlivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 342: To ask the Minister for Transport when the last national Traffic Signs Manual was published; if he is satisfied that it continues to be relevant to driving conditions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19180/06]

Photo of Martin CullenMartin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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The Traffic Signs Manual, first published in 1996, incorporates the design of all of the traffic signs that can be deployed on public roads and guidance and advice in relation to the use of such signs. The Manual constitutes a direction given by the Minister under section 95(16) of the 1961 Act in relation to the design and use of non-regulatory traffic signs generally. Additions have been made to the Manual in the interim period if new situations arose, such as, for example, the design of information directional signs that may be installed on orbital routes in urban areas. A comprehensive review of the provisions of the Manual was initiated in late 2004 and is on-going with a view to identifying any areas where amendment or updating would be appropriate. This review is being carried out by consultants in conjunction with a Steering Group comprising of representatives from the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, the National Roads Authority, the County and City Managers Association and my Department. For convenience, the present Manual also provides depictions of regulatory traffic signs. These signs are prescribed in statutory regulations and details of traffic sign regulations that have been made since 1996 will also be included in the revised Manual.

Photo of Billy TimminsBilly Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 343: To ask the Minister for Transport the number of local authorities that have implemented revised speed limits as outlined in recently passed legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19471/06]

Photo of Martin CullenMartin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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Under section 9 of the Road Traffic Act 2004, operative since 20 January 2005, the making of special speed limit bye-laws to apply a special speed limit in lieu of a default speed limit is a matter for each individual county council or city council. Local authorities had power since the passing of the Road Traffic Act 1994 to make special speed limit byelaws and Section 12 of the 2004 provided for the automatic conversion of the units of measurement from miles per hour to kilometres per hour in respect of any special speed limits that were applied under byelaws that were made prior to 20 January 2005. These bye-laws remain in force until such time as new bye-laws are made by the city or county councils under section 9 of the 2004 Act. From enquiries made I am informed that the special speed limit bye-laws that were in place prior to 20 January 2005 are still applicable across all 34 local authority areas and that 5 of the local authorities have adopted additional special speed limits. I understand that the majority of the councils either have a review of existing speed limits underway at present or are planning to do so later in 2006. A new policy element was introduced under section 10 of the 2004 Act to enable a county manager or a city manger to make a road works speed limit order to apply a road works speed limit for a limited period. This power has been and is being exercised in relation to road works locations in various areas.

Photo of Olivia MitchellOlivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 344: To ask the Minister for Transport the vetting procedures in place to ensure suitability in terms of physical and mental health to obtain a licence for the transport of high capacity passenger vehicles; the criteria which are applied; his views on whether they are adequate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19672/06]

Photo of Martin CullenMartin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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The Road Traffic (Licensing of Drivers) Regulations 1999 to 2004, which incorporate EU based requirements, provide that applicants for a driving licence for buses must submit a medical report to the licensing authority in support of the application. The medical report must be in a scheduled form, must be signed by a registered medical practitioner and indicate that in the opinion of the registered medical practitioner the applicant meets the medical standards set out in the regulations.

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