Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 12 Feb 1991

Vol. 404 No. 9

Written Answers. - Road Traffic Regulations.

Frank Crowley

Question:

183 Mr. Crowley asked the Minister for the Environment whether regulations regarding the strength of car and truck headlights are being adhered to; and if he has any reason to believe that these regulations are not being complied with.

Minister for the Environment (Mr. Flynn)

The road traffic regulations require that headlamps be so constructed and fitted as to be incapable of dazzling other road users. Enforcement of the regulations is primarily a matter for the Garda Síochána. In 1989, the gardaí instituted 17,000 prosecutions for motor vehicles lighting offences — a breakdown of these offences by type of lighting offence or motor vehicle is not readily available.

My Department have overall responsibility, at national level, for supervising the compulsory annual roadworthiness testing of heavy goods vehicles, buses and ambulances over one year old. Misaligned headlamp aim is the third most common defect found in the testing of trucks. Any fault found on test must be rectified before the truck can be passed as roadworthy.

Frank Crowley

Question:

184 Mr. Crowley asked the Minister for the Environment if he will ensure that articulated vehicles have rear mud flaps fitted as a compulsory and protective measure for following traffic.

Minister for the Environment (Mr. Flynn)

Current regulations require that every vehicle and every trailer attached to a vehicle must be equipped with wings or similar devices, to catch, as far as is practicable, mud or water thrown up by the rotation of wheels, unless adequate protection is afforded by the body of the vehicle. Enforcement of the existing regulations is primarily a matter for the Garda Síochána. Wings and mudflaps are checked as part of the compulsory annual roadworthiness test for heavy goods vehicles, buses and ambulances.