South Meath Driving School

A regulatory sign is one that shows the course a driver must follow and an action that’s required to be taken. One such sign is the ‘yield’ sign, identified internationally as an inverted triangle, usually with a white background and red surround and showing the word ‘yield’. In Gaeltacht areas the sign reads ‘ Geill Sli’ and in the UK ‘Give Way’. The original yield sign was designed by a policeman named Clinton Riggs from Oklahoma and it was first used there. Accompanying road markings, in white, will have a solid line in the centre of the road with an inverted triangle in the centre of the exiting carriageway and a broken line at the yield point. A driver does not necessarily have to stop at a yield sign or line, the requirement being that you slow down and let oncoming traffic pass. The main difference between the yield sign and a stop sign is that a driver must stop at the STOP sign whether or not there’s any oncoming traffic. Note, too, that the stop line is solid, not broken. Road engineers from the County Council  analyse the dangers involved in deciding which sign should be erected and that decision is approved  by the Garda Commissioner and Minister thereafter.

Yielding is  all so easy for drivers when the sign and road markings are in place. The problem arises when there are no such signs in place on some minor back roads but more commonly in housing estates and their exits.

Who has right of way?  Among other circumstances, the following are noteworthy –

(a)    Traffic travelling straight ahead along a major road,

(b)   At a junction where roads are of equal importance, traffic approaching from the right has right of way.

(c)    On the approach to a T-junction, one must yield to traffic already on the road

you’re joining.

(d)   Turning right at a cross junction, you must yield to traffic coming from the opposite direction and turning left or going straight on.

It is important to note that right of way is not an absolute right; one should proceed with caution, showing regard for other road users. Even a green traffic light does not always give you right of way.

Of course pedestrians have right of way at crossings designed specially for them – Zebras, Toucans, Pelicans and when the ‘ green man’ shows at a crossing. Would someone tell me when does a pedestrian not have right of way? Every yard of road appears to me to be used as a pedestrian crossing with impunity. Time then for a new Fine on the Spot for those causing obstruction. It’s referred to as ‘Jaywalking’ in other parts and, indeed, it is a rarity to see anybody prosecuted for the offence here. Even in the event of a collision between a Jaywalker and a car, who is more likely to be prosecuted or pay up, at least: the poor motorist, again.

As for  the terms ‘Major road’ and ‘Roads of Equal Importance’, the major road is obvious in that it carries the greater volume of traffic and there’s yield or stop signs on approach roads. Those of ‘equal importance’ are more anonymous , harder to define or remain undefined. It just might take two senior counsels, two juniors, a few solicitors offices and a High Court judge to come to a conclusion as to who has right of way on certain unmarked and signless roads. ( Ably supported by a few insurance companies – all financed by those who drive cars.) So, whether it’s a ‘Y’ or a ‘T’ junction, approach and negotiate with caution. Protect your ‘no claims bonus,’ the 3 second cautionary delay will have been worth it.

The reshaping, streetscaping and reregulation of Loman Street is spectacular but it has thrown up a few noteworthy aspects. Firstly, the old ‘yield’ sign at Mill St – Loman St. (former) junction remains in place despite the new through road to Watergate St. The position of the pedestrian crossing as one enters Loman St. is so close to the junction mouth, that it is somewhat dangerous, especially as a driver enters from the Watergate St direction – there’s very little view.

The new Toucan crossing at the Priory pub is amazing. It is designed as a pedestrian crossing – the two white parallel lines across the road. But this one is supported by a STOP sign. It would be acceptable, were it not located a few yards from the mouth of the junction with Haggard St at which point there’s a yield sign. A pedestrian has a common law right of way when crossing at such junction (correct me if I’m wrong.) So, is the crossing supported by the STOP sign really required? And, incidentally, on a one-way street that forms into two lanes at that point, there should be a second STOP sign on the right side of the road, to properly complete the signage, if it’s required at all.

I have observed that nearly all drivers pass through this crossing, ignoring it – but not deliberately. It’s just not recognisable as a pedestrian crossing to any driver approaching.  It may all seem harmless enough for drivers to ignore the STOP sign when there are no pedestrians on the crossing. But what if a dutiful Garda placed a camera on the spot and prosecuted all those who had failed to STOP. I hazard a guess that 95% of all who cross the spot don’t stop. It would be woefully unfair. The STOP sign should be removed. It’s a serious violation under  the Road Traffic Act not to stop at a Stop sign  Should any such sign be deemed necessary, it should be replaced  with a zebra crossing which would have much greater visibility than the existing sign that is actually stuck in amongst poles and hardly noticeable. I warn you, someone will come to grief there, soon!