asked the Minister for the Environment if there are any regulations controlling the unloading of goods on busy thoroughfares at rush hour; and, if not, if he will introduce such controls.
Written Answers. - Unloading of Goods.
118.
The parking of vehicles generally on public roads is subject to various prohibitions and restrictions imposed directly by the Road Traffic Acts, by general road traffic regulations made by me under those Acts and by local traffic and parking by-laws made by the Garda Commissioner with my consent.
The traffic and parking by-laws include provisions which apply to parking bans in a range of positions including clearways and bus lanes during their respective operational periods. No exemptions to these controls are granted for the delivery of goods. While a parking ban is also applied at places where double yellow lines are provided, the loading and unloading of goods can take place at such places provided the operation is completed within a period not exceeding 30 minutes from the commencement of the parking.
A similar exemption is granted in places controlled by single yellow lines and where parking is allowed on a restricted basis. That exemption is not, however, allowed where disc parking is in operation. In addition, the by-laws allow for the provision of loading bays in areas to allow for the loading and unloading of goods. The enforcement of parking controls is a matter for the Garda.