COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, March 10, 2025

MOTION NO. 14

MOTION: Councillor H. Farrell

To call on the Chief Executive to conduct a comprehensive review and report on the visibility of pedestrians at Belisha beacon-free pedestrian crossings throughout the county. The review should specifically measure pedestrian visibility at a distance of 36 metres (the stopping distance for a car travelling at 50 km/h in wet conditions) during nighttime conditions. The findings should provide clear recommendations for any necessary improvements to enhance pedestrian safety at each location along with an expected timeline for implementation of any necessary improvements, with the most critical improvements flagged.

REPORT:

The Department of Transport (DOT) issued guidance to all Local Authority Directors of Service on the use of Type B Zebra pedestrian crossings in circular RW 06/2024. A copy of the official DOT letter along with a detailed Guidance Document is attached to this Motion.

The Department of Transport (DoT), supported by the National Transport Authority (NTA), conducted trials on zebra crossings without flashing beacons in Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown and in Limerick City. These trials were informed by international studies from countries such as:

• The Netherlands
• France
• Germany
• Switzerland
• Australia
• New Zealand

The trials aimed to assess the feasibility of removing the requirement for flashing beacons, as their installation adds complexity and cost due to the need for a power connection on both sides of the road. The findings demonstrated that crossings could function effectively without beacons, allowing for a more cost-effective and sustainable approach to increasing safe pedestrian and active travel crossing points.

 Legislation Update

Following the success of these trials, the Department of Transport updated its guidance in February 2024, permitting zebra crossings without flashing beacons.

New Pedestrian Crossing installed in South Dublin: 

The new pedestrian crossings have been installed on a raised ramp, incorporating the RUS 066 sign in compliance with the updated Department of Transport guidelines.

The Traffic Section inspected ramps, sign visibility, and street lighting at these crossings:

• Pedestrian signs were clearly visible from both directions.
• Street lighting was unobstructed, ensuring proper illumination at night.
• Vehicles were observed slowing down as they approached the ramp, and pedestrians were using the crossing safely.

The Traffic Section is procuring an independent Road Safety Auditor to carry out Stage 3 and 4 Road Safety Audits.

Any recommendations arising from these audits will be implemented accordingly.

We will continue to monitor these pedestrian crossing locations in relation to their operational safety.