Vol. 502 No. 6
251 Mr. P. Carey asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if it is a safety requirement that the trailers of articulated trucks have a braking system which is independent of the tractor unit; if so, if it was introduced to help reduce the incidence of jack-knifing; if it is mandatory on all trucks irrespective of the age of the truck and trailer; and the way in which compliance with the requirements is monitored. [9076/99]
The road traffic regulations require that the tractor unit and trailer of articulated vehicles each have specified braking systems. For safety reasons, the braking systems for the trailer must not be independent of the tractor unit. The service brakes of both the tractor and trailer must possess a single control capable of being operated progressively by a single action from the driving seat of the tractor unit.
Compliance with these requirements is enforced generally by the gardaí and is also examined as part of the compulsory annual roadworthiness test.
