Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 64: To ask the Minister for Transport his preparations for a follow-up strategy to the current road safety strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21958/06]

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

The Government Road Safety Strategy 2004-2006 sets a primary target of a 25% reduction in road collision fatalities by the end of 2006 over the average annual number of fatalities in the 1998 — 2003 period.

Achievement of the target would result in no more than 300 deaths per annum by the end of the period of the Strategy. This is an ambitious target and one that requires the continued commitment to a strategic, integrated approach by all of the road safety agencies. The achievement of progress in the areas of speeding, drink driving and seat belt wearing remains central to the implementation of the Strategy.

My current priority is to get the Road Traffic Bill, 2006 enacted before the Summer recess as it contains some of the final legislative provisions (such as those relating to mandatory alcohol testing and the outsourcing of speed cameras) which underpin the delivery of the current Road Safety Strategy.

The new Road Safety Authority will be responsible for the preparation and submission to me for my approval of the next Road Safety Strategy and this will involve consultation by the Authority with all the relevant stakeholders.

Willie Penrose (Westmeath, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 65: To ask the Minister for Transport the reason there has not yet been a change to maximum heavy goods vehicles height regulations. [21976/06]

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

There is currently no height limit for goods vehicles. I am currently considering the introduction of a height limit for vehicles taking account of the wide-ranging submissions received arising from the public consultation on the matter last year. I expect to make a decision in this matter shortly.

In the event that it is decided to introduce a statutory height restriction for vehicles, it will be necessary to submit the draft Regulations to the European Commission for consideration and for referral to other Member States in accordance with the Technical Standards and Regulations Directive (Directive 98/34).