Written answers

Wednesday, 9 November 2005

8:00 pm

Photo of Trevor SargentTrevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)
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Question 313: To ask the Minister for Transport if he is satisfied that regulations here governing the time truck and van drivers can drive without breaks and sleep are satisfactory and are being enforced; and to make a statement on the issue of controlling the standard of truck driving, particularly in regard to the killing and injuring of cyclists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33464/05]

Photo of Ivor CallelyIvor Callely (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)
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My Department is responsible for enforcement of European Union rules governing drivers' hours and the use of tachograph recording equipment in heavy goods vehicles to monitor compliance with prescribed breaks and rest periods for drivers. Enforcement checks are carried out at the premises of the operator and at roadside checks. These rules came into force on 29 September 1986 and are set out in Council Regulations Nos. 3820/85/EEC and 3821/85/EEC. The rules apply to drivers of vehicles used for the carriage of goods where the maximum permissible weight of the vehicle, including any trailer or semi-trailer, exceeds 3.5 tonnes.

The EU Commission's proposals to upgrade the enforcement of drivers' hours rules is in the conciliation procedure between the Council and the European Parliament with a view to finding a compromise leading to final adoption. This will result in higher levels of drivers' hours monitoring and, through the introduction of the digital tachograph a more secure and tamper proof system of controlling drivers and ensuring adequate rest and breaks.

With regard to the issue of controlling the standard of truck driving, while monitoring of drivers' hours clearly makes a contribution to safer driving, the ultimate qualification standard is the HGV driver licence, which shows that a driver has trained and passed a recognised level of competence in trucks. In addition, EU Directive 2003/59/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on the training of professional drivers will require EU professional drivers to follow a programme of professional driver training. The training will be compulsory for all persons seeking to become professional drivers and will comprise of training for an initial qualification followed by periodic refresher training equivalent to one day training per annum. Member states have until 10 September 2006 to bring into force the laws, regulations and administrative provisions necessary to comply with this directive. Such enhanced training regimes should make a further contribution to road safety in regard to commercial vehicles.

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