Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 16 Oct 1991

Vol. 411 No. 1

Written Answers. - Parking of Commercial Vehicles.

Eric J. Byrne

Question:

395 Mr. Byrne asked the Minister for the Environment if he will outline the regulations which exist to prevent commercial vehicles being parked in or on residential streets in view of the annoyance caused for residents due to (1) engine noise, particularly when vehicles are being warmed up on cold mornings, (2) fumes causing pollution and (3) generally being unpleasant to look at and often blocking out natural light from neighbouring homes; and if he will outline the action he proposes to take to combat this problem.

Minister for the Environment (Mr. Flynn)

The Road Traffic Acts provide a comprehensive range of parking controls on vehicles generally. Responsibility for the enforcement of these controls, including the removal of vehicles, rests with the Garda Síochána.

I am conscious of the need for a special system to control the parking of large vehicles in built-up areas. Proposals for such a system have been developed by my Department, in conjunction with Dublin Corporation and the Garda, and I understand that the Garda Commissioner is now considering the making of local traffic and parking by-laws or temporary rules to cover the matter.

As regards noise, the position is that regulations made under the Road Traffic Act, 1961 require vehicles not to cause excessive noise when in use. Enforcement of these regulations is a matter for the gardaí. Controls in relation to neighbourhood noise generally are contained in section 51 of the Local Government (Planning and Development) Act, 1963, as amended. The Environmental Protection Agency Bill will, when enacted, provide more comprehensive noise control powers.

As part of the existing compulsory vehicle testing scheme, the exhaust emissions of heavy goods vehicles, buses and ambulances are tested every year. Compulsory testing will be extended to light goods vehicles — those under one and half tons unladen weight — from 1994-95. Testing will apply to such vehicles over four years old every two years. Consideration is being given to the introduction of a more stringent test when testing of light goods vehicles commences on 1 January 1994.