asked the Minister for the Environment the safety regulations, if any, governing the transportation of heavy loads by articulated trucks, and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Articulated Trucks
33.
As the reply contains a tabular statement, I propose, with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, to circulate it with the Official Report.
Following is the statement:
|
tons |
|
|
2 axled vehicle or trailer |
16 |
|
3 axled vehicle or trailer |
22 |
|
4 or more axled vehicle or trailer |
25 |
|
4 or more axled vehicle or trailer |
28 |
|
(registered after 1 July 1964 and with more than 24 feet axle spread) |
|
|
4 or more axled articulated vehicle |
32 |
|
with more than 35 feet axle spread |
|
|
Combination of vehicles |
32 |
|
(truck plus trailer) |
|
|
Weigh transmitted to the road by any |
10 |
|
single axle |
The Road Traffic (Construction, Equipment and Use of Vehicles) Regulations, 1963, made under the Road Traffic Act, 1961, provide that every load carried by a vehicle in a public place shall be of such a weight and size and so distributed, packed, adjusted and attached to the vehicle that, so far as can reasonably be foreseen, no danger is liable to be caused and that there is no interference with the stability of the vehicle. These regulations also provide that no load carried shall exceed a reasonable weight having regard to the engine capacity, brakes, tyres and general construction of vehicles. The maximum permitted laden weights of heavy vehicles, including articulated vehicles, are as set out in the table above. In the case of a vehicle in excess of 17 tons in weight laden, section 15 of the Road Traffic Act, 1968, provides a scale of penalties related to the extent of overloading and additional to any penalty which may be imposed under the 1961 Act.
Statutory provisions also govern the issue of permits in special cases, the speed limits for articulated vehicles, the ages of drivers and hours of driving. Enforcement of the appropriate legal requirements is a matter for the Garda Siochána.
Is there satisfaction in the Minister's Department with regard to the regulations, how they are being enforced and adhered to?
My reply is in the form of a tabular statement and the information sought by the Deputy is included in that reply.
(Cavan-Monaghan): Does the Minister agree that most of our roads were not designed to carry these articulated trucks and are not suitable for such vehicles? Does it not follow that great care is necessary in the driving of such vehicles if dreadful accidents are to be avoided? Does the Minister agree that we should have elaborate regulations which should be enforceable?
I agree that they should be enforced. I believe the concern arises because of two bad accidents which are still under Garda investigation.
Would the Minister agree that there is considerable disquiet among the public in regard to this matter in view of the recent fatal accidents?
I agree there is some disquiet and concern about it but these two instances are still under investigation and I will not comment on the effect they are having.
The remaining questions will appear on the Order Paper for the next sitting day.