Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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623. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if consideration will be given to colour coding road markings to reflect changes in speed limits between national and regional roads; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8737/17]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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​Clear and effective traffic signs, including road markings, are essential for the efficient operation of the road network, the enforcement of traffic regulations and for enhancing road safety.

Road Traffic regulations specify the regulatory road markings and upright signs which must be used on public roads in Ireland. In addition, my Department's Traffic Signs Manual provides detailed guidance on the provision and use of road markings and signs, including their layout and symbols, the circumstances in which they must be used and the rules for positioning them. These requirements are consistent with international best practice.

It is clear that uniformity and standardisation in the application of road markings is an important factor in minimising confusion and uncertainty about their meaning. The current practice and design, including the proven effectiveness of the colour scheme used to convey a variety of regulatory requirements (no parking, no overtaking etc.) in varying climatic conditions, has been shown to be very clear and easily understood by road users.

I have no proposals to amend the current design specifications applying to road markings across the road network.