Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 29 November 2023
30. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Transport the parameters for the use of tractors and agricultural vehicles on motorways; which vehicles are permitted to use motorways; the speed limits, if any, that apply to same; and if any specific prohibitions apply to their use of motorways. [52630/23]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Public Spending Code and the necessary statutory approvals.
The motorway speed limit is 120km/h, with reduced limits on sections of the M50. In order for vehicles to be allowed to use motorways, they must be capable of reaching a minimum speed of 50km/h. Therefore, as many modern tractors and agricultural vehicles have a design speed of over 50km/h, these vehicles can legally use the motorway network.
The use of motorways is regulated by Part IV of the Roads Regulations, 1994, which applies to all vehicles.
