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Parking /Lay-bys on the Motorway Network: Are They Dangerous?

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Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,567 ✭✭✭daveharnett


    I can see a point to them. They are marginally safer than the hard shoulder for:
    • Gardai pulling cars over
    • Car/bladder trouble
    • Urgent need of rest

    That being said, they desperately need more visability, marked slip lanes, and they need to be signposted well in advance (like a normal interchange/service area). I presume the latter is unique the new M7, where these things appear out of nowhere with no notice at all?

    I would also point out that I have seen these laybys closed from time to time, by means of a steel barrier which has no lighting or reflective material :eek:

    So, how long until a group of travelers moves into one of these?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,567 ✭✭✭daveharnett


    JupiterKid wrote: »
    However, given the lack of MSAs the laybys are useful as stopping/resting points. Perhaps the NRA could upgrade a few of these by extending the slip lanes and adding a concrete barrier between the layby and the mainline of the motorway?
    All necessary, but they still wouldn't make parked vehicles safe from somebody steaming into the lay-by at 90mph. The only way to make it safe would be to move the 'parking' area 20M back from the road, and add a bend to the entrance.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,336 ✭✭✭tonc76


    I can see a point to them. They are marginally safer than the hard shoulder for:
    • Gardai pulling cars over
    • Car/bladder trouble
    • Urgent need of rest
    That being said, they desperately need more visability, marked slip lanes, and they need to be signposted well in advance (like a normal interchange/service area). I presume the latter is unique the new M7, where these things appear out of nowhere with no notice at all?

    I would also point out that I have seen these laybys closed from time to time, by means of a steel barrier which has no lighting or reflective material :eek:

    So, how long until a group of travelers moves into one of these?

    As far as I know all lay bys are preceded by "Lay By 500m" signs. If not they are supposed to be!

    I also think some people are confusing customs areas for lay bys. Customs areas are the ones with barriers across the entrance and exit and are only used for customs checks i.e tank dipping etc.

    I think the use of a concrete barrier along the length of the lay by for protection would not solve anything as the end of the barrier would pose a greater hazard to mainline motorists.


  • Registered Users Posts: 260 ✭✭csd


    I think I'd still prefer a concrete barrier than the reflective posts currently used.

    Here's the parking area on the M9's northern section. Note the three missing bollards - I wonder how they came to be removed...

    IMG_5347.JPG


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 6,093 ✭✭✭Amtmann


    csd wrote: »
    I think I'd still prefer a concrete barrier than the reflective posts currently used.

    Here's the parking area on the M9's northern section. Note the three missing bollards - I wonder how they came to be removed...

    IMG_5347.JPG

    That looks desperate. One problem is that people intending to park in the layby will come to a halt as soon as they can, which means incoming cars could rear end them at high speed. The danger to children (who might be fascinated by a brightly coloured bollards) is also an issue.

    I note that two county council bins have been installed in the service area on the M8 just south of junction six by the way.


  • Registered Users Posts: 260 ✭✭csd


    Furet wrote: »
    I note that two county council bins have been installed in the service area on the M8 just south of junction six by the way.

    Interesting. The NRA told me that litter bins would not be provided in these parking areas because people weren't supposed to leave their cars...

    /csd


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,567 ✭✭✭daveharnett


    csd wrote: »
    Interesting. The NRA told me that litter bins would not be provided in these parking areas because people weren't supposed to leave their cars...

    /csd
    Interesting indeed. TBH if I needed to stop in one of these, I'd be getting out of the car and away from the road asap.


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