asked the Minister for the Environment the safety standards that are in existence in relation to the loading of commercial vehicles; and if he has any proposals to amend or extend these measures.
2.
Ceisteanna—Questions . Oral Answers . - Commercial Vehicles Loading .
1.
asked the Minister for the Environment the regulations in force in relation to the loading of commercial vehicles; and if, in view of the danger to the public of overloading and insecure loading, he will strengthen these measures and ensure their rigid enforcement.
: I propose, with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, to take Questions Nos. 1 and 2 together. Statutory regulations under the Road Traffic Acts require a vehicle to be so loaded that, so far as can be reasonably foreseen, no danger is liable to be caused, and that no load carried shall exceed a reasonable weight, by reference to the engine capacity, brakes, tyres and general construction of the vehicle. The regulations also provide limits on the laden weights of commercial vehicles, their axle and wheel loads. The obligation to comply with the prescribed requirements rests on the user and the owner of each vehicle. Substantial penalties apply in respect of any breach of the regulations. Enforcement is a matter for the Garda Síochána.
I consider the existing regulations to be adequate and have no proposals at present for their amendment or extension.
: In view of the fact that in reply to a question to the Minister for Justice it was stated that there were approximately 250 prosecutions last year—and I am sure this represents only a small proportion of the cases which probably could have been brought—does the Minister regard the regulations and standards as sufficient.
: As I have said, I have no proposals to change them at present. I have no information that would lead me to believe that the 250 prosecutions were only a small percentage of the breaches of the law. The enforcement of the existing regulations is the business of the gardaí.
: It is quite regular to see accidents—of a minor nature, thank God—in the city, and would the Minister not agree that the regulations need strengthening and need to be enforced more rigidly so as to ensure that the public are not exposed to accidents arising from such vehicles?
: I would certainly like to review the situation in view of the fears that they may be causing avoidable accidents.