asked the Minister for Local Government the maximum length of vehicles permitted on public roads; and if any increase in this length is contemplated.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Goods Vehicle Regulations.
97.
The maximum permitted length of a mechanically propelled vehicle is 36-feet except that a length of 12-metres is permitted for a large public service vehicle. The maximum permitted lengths of an articulated vehicle and of a road train, consisting of a mechanically propelled vehicle and trailer, are 49-feet and 54-feet respectively.
The question of revising these maxima will arise if proposals for uniformity in the maximum permitted weights and dimensions of commercial vehicles, at present under consideration in the EEC, are adopted.
Has the Minister any view on the EEC proposals?
That is a separate question.
We are in continuous contact with them and the Minister for Transport and Power and my Department are keeping in touch with the situation.
98.
asked the Minister for Local Government if any changes are contemplated in regard to the minimum age of crews on large goods vehicles.
Some changes related to the minimum age limit for drivers of heavy goods vehicles will be required in the provisions of the regulations at present applying in this country in order to bring these provisions into line with regulation No. 543/69 of the Council of the European Economic Community. The necessary changes will be examined in the transition period of three years which has been negotiated for the application of this regulation to this country.