Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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The Road Traffic (Control of Traffic) Regulations 2006 allow road authorities to restrict or prohibit certain non-passenger vehicles, including heavy goods vehicles (HGVs), from entering specified roads during specified periods. These regulations form the basis of the 5-axle HGV ban in operation in Dublin City and in a number of other locations.

Following engagement with An Garda Síochána and the local authority sector, my Department introduced regulations earlier this year which now make it a fixed charge notice offence for an HGV to enter a restricted area without the relevant permit. It is intended that this financial penalty will allow for speedier and more efficient enforcement of such restrictions and that this will, in turn, deter HGV drivers who might consider entering a restricted area without permission.

As individual road authorities are best placed to assess local vehicle requirements, based on road safety or traffic management grounds, my Department has no role in deciding where and in what circumstances HGV restrictions should apply.