Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 26 Mar 2002

Vol. 551 No. 2

Written Answers. - Road Safety.

Enda Kenny

Ceist:

337 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the European Parliament consideration of a report to introduce speed limitation devices allowing a maximum speed of 100 km/hr on minibuses which carry more than eight seats in addition to the driver's seat and with a maximum weight of five metric tonnes, and a similar device on trucks of up to 12 metric tonnes with a limitation of 90 km/hr; his views on the dangers of such devices which mean slower overtaking and therefore greater danger; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10286/02]

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment and Local Government (Mr. Molloy)

Existing EU law – Directive 92/6/EEC – which has been implemented in Ireland, requires the fitting of speed limitation devices on coaches over ten tonnes and on goods vehicles over 12 tonnes. Internationally, excessive speed is a significant factor in accidents causing death and serious injury and lower vehicle speeds are acknowledged to reduce both the frequency and severity of road accidents.

The extension of the scope of Directive 92/6/EEC to lighter categories of vehicles was one of the measures endorsed by the European Council in a resolution of 26 June 2000 on improving road safety. The European Commission has accordingly prepared a proposal for a new directive to make speed limitation devices mandatory for lighter categories of vehicles and this is being considered by Council and Parliament.

In line with the commitment in the Government Strategy on Road Safety 1998-2002 to support strongly the development and introduction of new vehicle safety measures at EU level, Ireland has expressed its support for this proposal.