Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 18 Jun 2002

Vol. 553 No. 2

Written Answers. - Traffic Regulations.

John Bruton

Question:

579 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Public Enterprise his plans to introduce a specially reduced speed limit for trucks travelling through towns and villages, to encourage truck drivers to use the M50 or larger arterial access on their journeys; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13104/02]

John Bruton

Question:

582 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the steps he proposes to take to ensure that truck drivers cease to drive through towns and villages instead of using the main motorways when driving from one place to another; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13508/02]

Minister for Public Enterprise (Mr. Brennan)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 579 and 582 together.

The Road Traffic (General and Ordinary Speed Limit) Regulations, 1992, S.I. No. 194 of 1992, provides that a speed limit of 50 mph applies in respect of heavy goods vehicles. It is an offence for such a vehicle to be driven at a speed in excess of that speed limit on any road in respect of which a speed limit of 50 mph or higher applies. Where a road speed limit of 30 mph or 40 mph applies on a road, heavy goods vehicles must comply with that speed limit. Decisions in relation to the speed limit to be applied in respect of any road are a matter for the determination of the local authority.

The Road Traffic Acts already provide an ample framework for the application of restrictions or prohibitions on the use of roads by traffic based on the weight of the vehicle. The Road Traffic (Traffic and Parking) Regulations, 1997, S.I. No. 182 of 1997, gives local authorities the power to apply restrictions to heavy goods vehicles from entering particular public roads or areas. The application of any such restrictions on any particular route is a matter for the individual road authority concerned.