Vol. 517 No. 3
228 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he has satisfied himself with the maximum weight limits imposed on heavy goods vehicles and rigid body lorries; if he has further satisfied himself with the number of designated weight bridges available to enable drivers to be fully aware of the weight load; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9664/00]
Amending regulations are at present being prepared by my Department to implement the provisions of Directive 96/53/EC regarding maximum weights for goods vehicles in use on international journeys. The regulations will allow for a maximum overall weight of up to 44 tonnes in such circumstances depending on vehicle characteristics and size. I will also consider in this context the requirements applicable to journeys within the State, having regard to the protection of infrastructure, including older stone bridges.
Some 88 fixed weighbridges are at present designated by road authorities throughout the country for the purposes of the Road Traffic Acts. These are supplemented by a number of mobile weighbridges operated by the Garda on road traffic duties.
Since 1963 it has been an offence under the Road Traffic Acts for an owner or operator to exceed the specified weight limits. Section 17 of the Road Transport Act, 1999, extends this provision to the consignor of a load being carried by a vehicle.
