Denis Naughten
Ceist:421 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Transport the plans he has to make the NCT rules and the Rules of the Road available on the internet; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26180/03]
Written Answers. - Traffic Regulations.
The national car test, NCT, manual was published in 1999 and is in a format which is not readily adaptable for electronic publication. It is my intention to ensure that when the manual is next revised and published it will be made available on the internet. The Rules of the Road booklet is due to be revised in the light of changes in road traffic law since 1995. This will provide the opportunity to consider any desirable improvements in the arrangements for dissemination, including publication on the internet.
Question No. 422 answered with Question No. 420.
Emmet Stagg
Ceist:423 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Transport if he has satisfied himself that all HGVs over 12,000 kilograms weight are fitted with fully operative speed limiters; if prosecutions have taken place in the past 12 months in regard to offences in this area; his plans to strengthen enforcement measures in this matter, that is, compulsory speed limiters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26194/03]
In accordance with the Road Traffic (Construction, Equipment and Use of Vehicles) (Amendment) Regulations 1993 vehicles with a design gross vehicle weight exceeding 12,000 kg must be fitted with a speed limitation device so that their speed cannot exceed 85 kph. Since 1 January 2003 the annual roadworthiness test for these vehicles includes a check to determine whether the speed limitation device is functioning correctly. A certificate of roadworthiness is not issued for such a vehicle unless a properly functioning speed limiter device is installed.
At present only goods vehicles over 12,000 kg and buses over 10,000 kg are required to have speed limitation devices installed and operating. Following the adoption of Directive 2003/85/EC the categories of vehicles which will be required to have speed limitation devices installed and operating is being extended to goods vehicles over 3,500 kg and all buses from January 2005. As with other road traffic legislative measures, enforcement of the regulations and the taking of prosecutions for breaches of them are matters for the Garda Síochána.