Sean Barrett (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 7:

In page 16, between lines 15 and 16, to insert the following:

"(c) by inserting the following subsection after subsection (5):

"(6) Trailers and semi-trailers referred to in this section shall require a separate certificate of roadworthiness of each trailer.".".

Using a trailer or semi-trailer with a maximum permissible weight exceeding 3,500 kg without a licence is an offence. As for dealing with those trailers, I agree with the Minister. The amendment seeks that the trailers and semi-trailers should be subject to the NCT. I can recall accidents where a trailer broke free and killed pedestrians. In the economics of road space, if the trailer lengthens a truck by a factor of two, many economists would say there should be two charges for that vehicle in terms of adding to road space and that the trailer should not be going free. In terms of safety, are we satisfied that in dealing with this aspect the trailers on the roads are tested to the same NCT standards as the vehicles?