Child safety traffic signs 'don't work'
DUBLIN City Council is putting the brakes on costly 'Caution Children' traffic warnings -- because they don't work.
The local authority said the safety signs, which can cost up to €500 each to install, "are of little benefit".
The warning notices are generally requested by residents in areas where youngsters tend to play on or near the street.
In a report, the council stated a study carried out some time ago "deduced that the signs did not bring about any reduction in traffic speeds".
"Currently, there are requests for 16 Caution Children signs on the TAG (traffic advisory group) list with a potential cost of between €2,400 and €8,000 if all were installed," it said.
"Once signs are installed there will clearly be on ongoing maintenance and/or replacement cost into the future.
"If the traffic department are to provide signs on all residential roads the cost could become quiet significant."
Ceiling
A Caution Children warning costs €70 when it is attached to an existing pole but €500 if a new pole is required.
During the past 12 months, the received requests for signs at 12 locations. When informed that there was a cost to erect signs, two applicants paid for the work themselves.
The local authority wants an annual ceiling of €5,000 on the budget for the signs to be agreed by councillors.
This will provide funds for between 10 and 33 installations, depending on whether or not the notices can be put up on existing poles.
The council said the signs should be erected free of charge only where the area traffic engineer recommends the measure.
In the vicinity of schools, the 'School Ahead' alerts should be used instead.
The report will be considered by the council's traffic and transport committee this week.
comurphy@herald.ie
- Cormac Murphy
