John Cregan (Limerick West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 172: To ask the Minister for Transport his views on increasing the present axle weight restriction governing the movement of cranes from one local authority area to another; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6266/06]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

All vehicles using public roads are required by law to comply with a range of standards in respect of their construction, equipment, use, weights and dimensions. The requirements are set out in the Road Traffic (Construction, Equipment and Use of Vehicles) Regulations 1963 to 2002 and the Road Traffic (Construction and Use of Vehicles) Regulations 2003 to 2004. These regulations apply in the interests of public safety and to protect road infrastructure.

The prescribed maximum axle and vehicle weight limits are not vehicle-specific but apply to vehicles generally. I have no plans to increase the current weight limits at this point in time. Regulation 59 of the Road Traffic (Construction and Use of Vehicles) Regulations 2003 provides for the issuing of special permits by local authorities for the use of vehicles on roads notwithstanding that they contravene certain provisions of the aforementioned regulations. A special permit may be issued for a maximum period of 12 months.

Local authorities are best placed to assess the suitability of the roads in their functional areas for use by non-compliant vehicles, the appropriate routes and itineraries to be used in the making of journeys by such vehicles and to determine the appropriate duration of individual special permits.