Explanatory Note
(This note is not part of the Regulations.)
These Regulations further amend the Traffic Signs Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1997. The principal amendments are to—
(a)regulation 2 to provide a definition of “permitted taxi” (regulation 2(2));
(b)regulation 11 to permit the bottom panel of the sign in diagram 674.1 to have proportions and form other than those shown in Schedule 13 (regulation 2(3));
(c)regulation 21(2)(b) to redefine the expression “bus lane” (regulation 2(4));
(d)regulation 44(4) (road danger lamps) to change the minimum rate of flashing of a road danger lamp showing an intermittent light from not less than 40 to not less than 55 flashes per minute (regulation 2(5));
(e)add a permitted variant to the signs in diagrams 618.1, 618.2, 618.3 and 618.3A to permit the insertion of the blue badge symbol shown in diagram 661A (regulation 2(6)(a) and (b));
(f)add a sign displaying the blue badge symbol in diagram 661A to indicate a place reserved for disabled badge holders only (regulation 2(6)(c));
(g)add a sign in diagram 674.1 to indicate a traffic calmed area (regulation 2(6)(d));
(h)add permitted variants to the sign in diagram 958 to permit the replacement of “taxi” by “permitted taxi” and to replace “coaches” by “& coaches” (regulation 2(7)(a));
(i)add permitted variants to the sign in diagram 959 to permit the addition of “permitted taxi” and to specify the position in the sign of “taxi” or “permitted taxi” (regulation 2(7)(b)); and to
(j)amend the illumination requirements for the signs in diagrams 7023, 7024 and 7299 to make it compulsory to illuminate such signs by means of internal or external lighting throughout the hours of darkness (regulation 2(9) and (10)).
These Regulations have been notified to the European Commission pursuant to Directive 98/34/EC of 22nd June 1998 laying down a procedure for the provision of information in the field of technical standards and regulations and of rules on Information Society services (O.J. No. L204, 21.07.98, p. 37-48) as amended by Directive 98/48/EC of 20th July 1998 (O.J. No. L217, 05.08.98, p. 18-26). Copies of the Directives can be obtained from The Stationery Office Bookshop, 16 Arthur Street, Belfast, BT1 4GD.