Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 November 2013
519. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will amend the new transport rules which restrict the maximum height of loaded trailers to 4.65 metres as it will result in significant added transportation costs in its current form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48041/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraStatutory Instrument 366 of 2008 - Road Traffic (Construction and Use of Vehicles) (Amendment) Regulations 2008 sets the maximum height limit of vehicles in this country at 4.65 metres.
Following public consultation undertaken prior to the completion of the Regulations, the intention to introduce a 4.65m limit was announced in January 2007. Following representations from the industry, it was agreed that a five year derogation from that limit would apply to vehicles registered, licensed or in use prior to 1st November 2008. The derogation was introduced to allow a five-year period within which vehicles operating at heights in excess of the new limits could be withdrawn from use in Ireland or to allow for the necessary height reductions by operators. This derogation expired on 31st October 2013 and I have no proposals to amend it.
Given the lead-in time that this height limit has had, any amendment to current vehicle height regulations would have the effect of penalising those operators who have adjusted their fleet to ensure compliance with this well flagged law, while rewarding those that did not.
