Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 16 June 2004
182 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Transport his proposals in regard to off road dumper vehicles which can transport loads of up to 26 tonnes being persistently used on main roads and which can lead to pot holes and a deterioration to the road surface; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17986/04]
View answer183 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Transport his proposals to compel local authorities, when issuing permits in regard to off road dumper vehicles, to take into account the braking distance of these vehicles, loaded or otherwise, on urban or rural off road dumper vehicles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17987/04]
View answer186 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Transport his proposals to introduce an official certification process for the mechanical integrity of all off-road dumper vehicles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18000/04]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 182, 183 and 186 together.
All vehicles using public roads are required by law to comply with a range of standards in respect of their construction, equipment, use, weights and dimensions. The requirements are set out in the Road Traffic (Construction and Use of Vehicles) Regulations 1963 to 2002 and the Road Traffic (Construction and Use of Vehicles) Regulations 2003.
The regulations specify requirements, inter alia, in relation to braking efficiency and maximum weights. In addition, passenger and goods vehicles are subject to periodic roadworthiness testing, goods vehicles being subject to test when they are one year old and annually thereafter.
Vehicles that do not comply with the requirements in respect of maximum weight, maximum dimensions, suspension, wheels and tyre characteristics may be used in a public place provided that they are covered by a special permit under regulation 59 of the 2003 regulations. Such permits may be issued by local authorities and may include conditions limiting the use of the vehicles to particular places or routes. Applicants for permits are required to give an undertaking to refund to the local authority in question the cost of repairing any damage caused to any public road by the use of a vehicle for which a permit is issued. Vehicles which are the subject of permits must comply with all construction, equipment and use standards that are not specifically qualified in the permits. Permits may not include provisions that would result in the use of a defective vehicle.
My Department is engaged in a consultative process with a view to amending the permit scheme so that it is more effective in road safety and operational terms. As part of that process, consideration is being given to making any permit granted in respect of an off road dumper subject to an inspection and certification process to ensure that the condition of the vehicle is not a road safety hazard.
