Vol. 490 No. 1
72 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will report on progress made by the Garda in enforcing the law banning heavy goods vehicles in residential areas in Dublin city; the reasons for the lengthy delays in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9712/98]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the provisions to prohibit the parking of heavy vehicles in residential areas are contained in Article 38 of the Road Traffic (Traffic and Parking) Regulations, 1997 (S. I. No. 182 of 1997). These regulations were made by the Minister for the Environment and Local Government and came into force on 1 October 1997.
I am further informed by the Garda authorities that under section 95 of the Road Traffic Act, 1961, as amended, the local authority has power to put in place the restrictions referred to by the Deputy, subject only to a requirement that it consults the Commissioner in advance of providing the necessary regulatory traffic signs.
As the responsibility for placing the signs in question rests with the local authority, and I am given to understand that no such signs have yet been erected within the Dublin metropolitan area, the Garda are not in a position to enforce the relevant regulation banning the parking of large vehicles in residential areas.
