STATEMENT BY
SENATOR DOMINIC HANNIGAN
Labour Party Seanad Whip and Spokesperson on Commuter Issues
Monday, 8th October 2007
Julianstown School Crossing needs to be made safer, says Hannigan
The current school crossing at Julianstown needs to be made safer, because it is currently a potential danger to adults and children using it, according to local Senator Dominic Hannigan.
Hannigan was speaking after observing the traffic light crossing in operation at the school. He said “During the time I spent there I saw two cars drive straight through a red light, as if they were completely oblivious to the light. It was shocking and I can only imagine the disastrous consequences if an adult or child had been crossing on a green signal at the time.”
“It would appear that the failure of motorists to observe the lights is down to two reasons. Firstly, the amount of time the lights are orange is very short. I fear some drivers might be attempting to run the orange, but end up driving through a red light. So I have asked the engineer to look at the signal timings.”
“Secondly, from an examination of the area surrounding the lights, there’s a hell of a lot of background signage that might be confusing for drivers. For instance, there are still signs up on posts in the vicinity of the lights for events that happened two months ago. So, I’ve asked the engineer to see if he can reduce the amount of clutter beside the lights, so that drivers are not distracted.
“I’ve also asked the engineer to put down lining on the road in advance of the lights, to warn those drivers who are approaching.”
“I’m also writing to the local Gardai and the Road Safety Authority to alert them to this problem, as I am concerned that unless something is done we might see a tragic accident here.”
“Ultimately, the problem could be much reduced by the introduction of a traffic warden in school time, or the construction of a bypass to take traffic away from Julianstown. But in the short terms the steps outlined above could help to make the crossing safer” concluded Hannigan.
ENDS
For more information contact Senator Dominic Hannigan at 01 618 4007
www.labour.ie/press
