Damien English (Meath, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 471: To ask the Minister for Transport the instances in which heavy goods vehicles are permitted to use the overtaking lane on motorways; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11645/07]

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

The prohibition on the use of the outside lane on a motorway by certain classes of vehicles, including heavy goods vehicles, as set out in the Road Traffic (Traffic and Parking) Regulations 1997 (S.I. No. 182 of 1997), applies except where it is necessary to proceed in that lane due to an obstruction or because another lane or lanes is or are for the time being closed to traffic.

The term "obstruction" is not defined in the Road Traffic (Traffic and Parking) Regulations 1997, but article 5 provides that the regulations "shall apply save where compliance is not possible as a result of an obstruction to traffic or pedestrians or because of an emergency situation confronting a road user which could not reasonably have been expected or anticipated."