RPA to review Luas signage in safety drive

The Railway Procurement Agency (RPA) has agreed to review signs and road markings at Luas intersections in a bid to reduce the…

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.comthat 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".

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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.

Luke Cassidy

Luke Cassidy

Luke Cassidy is Digital Production Editor of The Irish Times