Vol. 565 No. 4
156 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Transport his plans to introduce height restrictions on heavy goods vehicles; the current restrictions which apply in each other EU state; and the timescale for the introduction of the necessary regulations. [11235/03]
As I indicated in my reply to Question No. 133 of 11 March 2003, an initial consultation process has been completed with regard to the possible reintroduction of a maximum height for vehicles in use in a public place and my Department will now prepare an initial draft of regulations taking account of the views of various parties, which include hauliers, Irish Rail, the National Roads Authority and the Department of Environment and Local Government. The draft will take account of economic, rail safety and road safety considerations as well as the need to protect costly transport infrastructure. Given the conflicting interests concerned, I envisage further consultations when the draft regulations are available with a view to seeking consensus on the final shape of the regulations.
The time scale for the introduction of the necessary regulations will depend in the first instance on the outcome of these consultations. Also, under Directive 98/34/EC, which deals, inter alia, with technical standards and regulations in regard to the avoidance of barriers to trade, it will be necessary to consult the European Commission which will in turn consult all other member states before the proposed new regulations may be made legally binding. I understand that no vehicle height restrictions currently apply in the UK but that Finland, Germany, the Netherlands and Sweden impose a vehicle height limit of four metres. I will arrange to forward information on the height restrictions which apply in the other member states to the Deputy shortly.
