Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 12 May 2005
42 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Transport the steps being taken to reduce the dangers to pedestrians and cyclists from heavy goods vehicles; if he will require all such vehicles to be fitted with blind spot mirrors to improve visibility for drivers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15559/05]
Amharc ar fhreagraDevelopments at EU level will result in new heavy goods vehicles, HGVs, having to comply with higher standards in relation to the fields of vision of drivers. EU Directive 2003/97/EC, which harmonises the rules relating to the type-approval of devices for indirect vision on motor vehicles and of vehicles equipped with these devices, provides, inter alia, for an extension of the field of vision so as to address the issue of blind spots. These enhanced requirements should lead to a reduction in fatalities and serious injuries involving pedestrians and cyclists due to the driver’s inadequate field of vision. The directive requires all new HGVs entering into service from 26 January 2007 to meet the revised standards for field of vision set in the directive. The directive was transposed into Irish law through the European Communities (Mechanically Propelled Vehicle Entry into Service) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations, which were made on 20 December 2004. Subject to practical engineering constraints and the agreement of the European Commission, it is my intention to also require existing vehicles of the types covered by the directive to be retrofitted with the necessary mirrors.
In the meantime, I have also written to representative groups the IRHA, SIMI, etc. and met with the Garda Síochána to encourage proactive measures be taken prior to January 2007. Also, drivers of mechanically propelled vehicles in a public place should be aware of the statutory requirements in road traffic law to drive with reasonable consideration for other persons and with due care and attention.
