Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 June 2017
1805. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if there are differences in the rules for the time heavy goods vehicles can be on roads here in comparison to roads in the European Union; if this affects increased traffic on roads here late at night; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26521/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland does not have a nationwide system of rules for when heavy good vehicles (HGVs) may use roads. Some EU Member States do apply certain nationwide restrictions on times of use of HGVs, such as barring HGVs at certain hours at weekends.
Under the Road Traffic (Traffic and Parking) Regulations 1997 (S.I. No. 182 of 1997), as amended, local authorities may restrict access to roads in their areas in accordance with the height or weight of a vehicle. These restrictions may apply permanently or for specific periods. It is a matter for the local authorities to determine on which roads to impose such restrictions and, if the restriction is not permanent, the periods during which they apply.
I believe that it is appropriate for Irish circumstances that local authorities, who are responsible for traffic management within their functional areas, should be the bodies to decide whether to restrict the use of HGVs on certain routes and the times at which to do it.
As Ireland has no single nationwide policy on times when HGVs may be used, a comparison with those EU Member States which do have such policies would not be meaningful.
