asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware that the number of accidents on the public highway caused by faulty loading of heavy vehicles appears to be on the increase; if he considers that proposals for legislation or fresh regulations under the existing laws should be introduced in an effort to remedy the situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Commercial Vehicle Loading.
5.
I have no information to show that there has been any significant increase in the number of accidents caused by faulty loading of commercial vehicles. The legal requirements as to the securing of loads are contained in article 96 of the Road Traffic (Construction, Equipment and Use of Vehicles) Regulations, 1963 and do not appear to call for revision.
It is not perhaps completely relevant to the question but I wonder if the Minister has any statistics as to the number of accidents, fatal or otherwise, that have occurred in recent years in the country as a result of faulty loading of vehicles?
I would not have exact details but very few cases of unsafe loading of commercial vehicles, where most of the load fell from the vehicle, have been brought to the notice of the Department. Very few. I quite agree with the Deputy. I have from time to time noticed what I considered to be unsafe loads but the fact is that very few such cases have been brought to the notice of the Department.
What prompted me to put down the question was that on a recent journey from Mullingar to Dublin I saw, within that space of 40 odd miles, three vehicles the loads of which had toppled over. One of them, a very heavy load, was on the dual carriageway at Inchicore and another was timber which had collapsed on to the side of the highway. Is the Minister aware that in England there are statistics showing the number of fatal and other accidents arising there as a result of loads from vehicles toppling over?
The Deputy did not ask for statistics.
No, I did not.
If he would like to table a question I will see if I can get the statistics for him. I have noticed over the last number of years that there have been what appeared to me to be unsafe vehicles travelling but very few complaints have been made about this matter.
Would the Minister ask that the gardaí notify some central office of the number of accidents occurring where trucks are overloaded? I asked this question on numerous occasions here but there are no statistics. Even though the accidents occur they are not notified. I saw a half-ton load of bricks overturn on a road where children were walking. This is a great danger and it is happening regularly but unfortunately it is not notified to any Department or section.
I will take note of what the Deputy says.