Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 28 Nov 2002

Vol. 558 No. 3

Written Answers. - Road Traffic Regulations.

David Stanton

Question:

157 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Transport the directives and rules regarding the use of dump trucks on public roads; the gross maximum weight allowed; if his attention has been drawn to the differences of opinion between local authorities and dump truck owners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24119/02]

Minister of State at the Department of Transport (Dr. McDaid)

The use of any mechanically propelled vehicle on a public road is subject to regulations, principally the Road Traffic (Construction, Equipment and Use of Vehicles) Regulations, 1963 to 2002 which, inter alia, prescribe the maximum permissible laden weights of vehicles. In the case of any individual vehicle the maximum permissible weight will be determined by a range of vehicle characteristics including number of axles, type of suspension and the vehicle's design weight. All vehicles using public roads are required to comply with the provisions of these regulations unless they are covered by a special permit under article 17 of the 1963 regulations.

Article 17 makes provision for the issue of special permits by local authorities for the limited use of vehicles which do not comply with the regulations, including the weight requirements, on an exceptional basis. In issuing permits local authorities may insert any limitations, restrictions or conditions, including conditions as to weight which they consider advisable to prevent unnecessary damage to public roads or which, after consultation with the Commissioner of the Garda, they consider expedient to protect other road users.

Permits are issued in certain circumstances in respect of vehicles, commonly known as off-road dumpers, exceeding three metres cubed in capacity, designed and constructed primarily for use on sites of construction works for the purposes of conveying concrete, rubble, earth or other like materials and incapable by reason of their design and construction of exceeding a speed of 50 kilometres per hour. Such trucks, by their design would not comply with the provisions of the regulations referred to, and where their use on a construction site would be facilitated by limited road access they would be required,inter alia, to have a special permit and to comply with any conditions specified therein, by the local authority for such access.

I am not aware of specific differences of opinion between local authorities and dump truck owners in relation to the issue of permits.