Question: Councillor D. Smith
“To ask the Chief Executive what criteria do residents in the Balbriggan/Swords
area need to adhere to in order to allow them to erect mirrors at their entrance
gates where visibility on exiting their properties is obscured?”
Reply:
It is the Operation Department’s position that a roadside mirror is not an
acceptable control measure to deal with any residual deficiency in visibility as
their use presents more disadvantages (and risk to road-users) than their
benefits. The rationale for this position is detailed below.
• Mirrors are largely ineffective during bad weather (rain, fog, snow, frost;
early-morning dew/condensation) when the visibility requirement is at its
highest;
• Mirrors may not adequately highlight the presence of approaching
pedestrians or cyclists particularly during night-time hours and where
such road-users are themselves poorly illuminated (e.g. pedestrians
wearing dark clothing, absence of bicycle lights which unfortunately is
quite common);
• Mirrors are prone to vandalism and if not installed correctly may be
damaged by (and present a hazard to) passing vehicles or road-users;
• Mirrors require regular maintenance (cleaning realignment/correction to
ensure that the correct aspect/view is available) and safety/liability issues
are associated with the undertaking of such works on the public road by
private individuals.
• Convex mirrors distort the reflected image and many road-users
(particularly the elderly) are unable to judge the speed of approaching
traffic from the mirror’s image.
• Mirrors can create glare/distraction to other users of the public road,
arising from sunlight (particularly during low winter sun) and vehicle
headlights.