Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)
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To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will consider examining the feasibility of introducing a left hand turn on red policy and to implement a pilot programme that would enable drivers to turn left after coming to a complete stop at an intersection where the light is red, assuming that no traffic is coming from the fight (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50550/12]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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A proposal to allow for turning left on a red light in the absence of oncoming traffic was examined by my Department and the Road Safety Authority (RSA) in recent years. After careful consideration, the RSA recommended against the proposal on the grounds that it would cause confusion among motorists and pedestrians regarding the absoluteness of the red traffic light.  It was also likely to lead to enforcement difficulties, relying as it does on the opinion of the driver. The overall view taken was that the safety risks outweighed any marginal gains in efficiency. While I have no firm views on the matter, I will ask the RSA to re-examine the position.