Vol. 569 No. 3
353 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Transport the legal basis on which he can ban over-height trucks from Ireland; and if he will be obliged to provide a transitional period during which existing trucks entering the Irish system can work out their remaining useful life. [17408/03]
On the basis of legal advice, I am satisfied that under sections 5 and 11 of the Road Traffic Act 1961 the Minister for Transport may make regulations prohibiting the use in a public place of vehicles which exceed a specified height.
With a view to as much consensus as possible on the height to be specified, I intend having consultations with all interested parties prior to making regulations on that basis. In making the regulations I will give consideration to possible exemptions on a temporary basis for recently registered vehicles that may exceed the specified height. Any such exemptions will take account of road safety and traffic management considerations and so may be subject to conditions such as differentiated maximum speeds or route restrictions.
354 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Transport when he will publish draft regulations to implement the section of the Road Traffic Act 2002 related to the use of cameras, to enforce traffic restrictions apart from speeding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17409/03]
Section 21 of the Road Traffic Act 2002 provides for the legislative basis for the use of cameras and other apparatus for the purpose of establishing evidence in respect of specified road traffic offences. The principal offences covered by this provision include speeding, dangerous driving, careless driving, parking in a dangerous position and offences under section 35 of the Act relating to the general control of traffic and policy. I implemented this section of the 2002 Act with effect from 31 October 2002 under the Road Traffic Act 2002 (Commencement) Order 2002 – S.I. No. 491 of 2002.
