Phil Hogan
Question:197 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Transport the law and regulations in respect of dumping trucks on the road; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26856/02]
Written Answers. - Road Safety.
In addition to the obligations relating to motor tax and insurance all vehicles using public roads are required to comply with the Road Traffic (Construction, Equipment and Use of Vehicles) Regulations, 1963 to 2002 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 use of vehicles which do not comply with the regulations. In issuing permits, local authorities may insert any limitations, restrictions or conditions which they consider advisable to prevent unnecessary damage to public roads or which, after consultation with the Garda Commissioner, they consider expedient to protect other road users.
Vehicles, commonly known as off-road dumpers, are vehicles that exceed three metres cubed in capacity, are designed and constructed primarily for use on sites of construction works for the purposes of conveying concrete, rubble, earth or other like materials and are incapable by reason of their design and construction of exceeding a speed of 50 kilometres per hour. Due to their design and construction, these vehicles do not comply with the provisions of the regulations referred to, and where their use on a construction site would be facilitated by use on a public road, such use is subject to the issue of a special permit and to compliance with any conditions specified therein.