The Luas goes to the Dail

sliabh

The RPA and Connex were before the transport committee today to discuss the recent crashes.

RPA to review Luas signage in safety drive
By Luke Cassidy Last updated: 04-11-04, 12:38



The Railway Procurement Agency (RPA) has agreed to review signs and road markings at Luas intersections in a bid to reduce the number of collisions. The decision came following a meeting with the Oireachtas Transport Committee this morning.

A spokesman for the RPA told ireland.com that although the current roadmarkings "meet the highest international standard, they will see if they can make them more suited to the Irish culture".

He also said the review was part of "an ongoing process to in conjunction with Dublin City Council and the National Safety Council".

Trams on the Luas line between Connolly and Tallaght have been involved in at least four crashes in the past two weeks. The Sandyford line has also seen a number of incidents, including one in which two trams collided on St Stephen's Green. Several people have been injured, a number of them needing hospital treatment.

The Progressive Democrat transport spokesman, Senator Tom Morrissey, who was at the Oireachtas Commission meeting this morning, urged the RPA to act on the review as soon as possible.

"There is a very real danger that lives would be lost unless the warning signs were improved, and motorists made more aware of the hazards posed." Senator Morrissey warned.

Senator Morrissey also urged the RPA to formally request better enforcement of the traffic laws by Gardaí at Luas intersections, particularly over the busy Christmas season.

Speaking before today's meeting, committee member and Fianna Fáil TD Mr Jim Glennon, said Luas operators should not try to blame motorists exclusively for the crashes.

"While there is a need for motorists to be fully aware of their responsibilities when driving over or near Luas tracks, we must also ensure that there is proper signposting and lighting throughout the network," he said.

© 2004 ireland.com

It's good that they were looking at this. And it's nice to see that the TD's recognised that better enforcement by the Gardaí is needed as well. But you have to laugh at to comment on signage at junctions: "make them more suited to the Irish culture"

I have visions of big 10m illuminated signs with flashing lights, horns and a speaker shouting "Watch out for the trams! This means you, you gobshyte!"

John R

Methinks installation of cameras and stiff fines for breaking red lights and stopping in yellow boxes would soon make motorists more aware of the dangers, the dangers of losing cash and driving licence that is.

weehamster

Irish Drivers, ....na it wont work. Why? Because its a sign. You see, the Irish driver has a genetic default, where it is impossible to see a sign of any kind.

BrianD

The Luas goes to the Dail

Possible routing for extended green line???