Question on pedestrian crossings/signalled cycle lane crossings

sarkozy

It's a daily occurrence for me as a pedestrian, but I want to know if it's illegal for a driver to be stopped on a signalled pedestrian crossing when the green man is illuminated? Are drivers required to assess the situation in advance and stop at the appropriate light?

I ask this because my walk to work is along the Grand Canal. I cross no fewer than six bridge junctions. Most have these crossings, and nearly every single time, something like this happens.

This creates chaos at these busy crossings and puts pedestrians in danger. I've seen it. (This is quite separate from drivers routinely breaking green man lights at speed as people begin to walk out.)

As a new dad, I've become incredibly precious about my safety. I want to get home to see the little man. I can't accept other drivers' lack of consideration for vulnerable pedestrians any longer.

I Am_Not_Ice

Nope, drivers are absolutely not permitted to stop on a pedestrian crossing. If they had done so during their driving test they would have failed instantly.

sarkozy

The offending person explained that 'the light was green at the time' (until she stopped across the two side-by-side pedestrian and cycling lanes). Make any difference?

I Am_Not_Ice

Drivers are supposed to leave pedestrian crossings clear to enable pedestrians to use them when necessary; i.e. drivers should only proceed through a pedestrian crossing if there is enough room to accommodate their vehicle on the other side of it. If there isn't (say, in slow-moving traffic), then they should remain stationary without blocking the crossing so as not to impede pedestrians who wish to use it. It's the same rule for yellow boxes - don't drive into one unless there's sufficient room beyond it to drive out again without stopping on any part of it.
Drivers who fail to abide by these simple rules are just being careless, impatient, and selfish, and there really is no excuse for their behaviour.

sarkozy

Thanks. But is it an offence to do this?

I Am_Not_Ice

I'm not sure if it's an offence per se. I was told by several driving instructors that if you blocked a pedestrian crossing during your test you'd incur an instant fail, which leads me to believe that it's something you just shouldn't do. I've never seen a garda reprimand anyone for doing it, though.