asked the Minister for Local Government if he will consider increasing the speed limit for lorries from 40 to 45 m.p.h. and the speed limit for lorries with trailers from 35 to 45 m.p.h.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Speed Limits.
33.
I have no proposals at present for reviewing the speed limits referred to by the Deputy.
Is the Minister aware of the difficulties being experienced by lorry and truck owners especially in so far as articulated vehicles are concerned and those used for the transport of cattle? It is not possible, without exceeding 45 mph, to put one of these vehicles into top gear. Is the Minister aware, too, that apart from the restrictions imposed by this speed limit, damage can be caused to the vehicles concerned? Therefore, would the Minister reconsider the whole position?
The position is that the speed limit for this type of vehicle has not been affected for many years. I understand it is related to such factors as stopping power and stopping distance. It is not considered at present that it would be in the public interest to allow those vehicles to travel faster than the speed permitted by law.
Is the Minister aware that in respect of certain types of trucks it is not possible to get into top gear at a speed less than 45 mph?
That is a repeat of an earlier supplementary.
The people concerned have been able to manage in this situation for the past 20 years. Sometimes they are able to get into top gear too often.
Is the Minister satisfied regarding the general speed limit of 50 mph?
That is a separate question.
Question No. 34, please.
Would the Minister not agree that it is unsatisfactory to have a law that is not capable of being implemented?
That is a separate question.
(Dublin Central): Would the Minister not agree that, because of the overall speed limit of 50 mph, there is a traffic hazard in so far as it is practically impossible for a motorist to overtake these heavy vehicles travelling at 40 to 45 mph?
As a motorist, I do not consider that to be the case.
(Dublin Central): The Minister must not travel on many of our main roads.
Would the Minister seek technical advice on the matter raised by Deputy O'Leary?
I have done so.
What the Deputy says is correct. Those trucks are not built in a way that enables them to be put into high gear while travelling at speeds of less than 40 mph.
Is it not extraordinary that what Deputy Brennan seemed to have considered to be all right for 20 years while he was in Government is suddenly all wrong?
Is the Minister a maxi-driver?
Question No. 34, please.