Truckers disappointed with off-road dumper decision

The Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA) has expressed its dissatisfaction at Junior Transport Minister Ivor Callely’s decision not to ban off-road dumpers on the country’s roads.

Following consultations with local authorities, the Gardaí, the owners and operators of off-road dumpers and the IRHA, the Department of Transport has decided to continue with the existing permit system, which allows for the use of these vehicles in connection with large civil engineering projects where licensed goods vehicles would not be suitable.

Callely is happy with the status quo and says local authorities and the Gardai have been briefed on the guidelines that were first introduced in 1995.
“I would expect that this reaffirmation of the guidelines will help to clarify the position on the use of off-road dumpers on public roads and lead to better compliance,” he commented.

However, an IRHA source says the Department of Transport has bowed to the interests of big business. “The construction sector lobbied for the continuation of the permit system, and it would appear that the department has buckled under the pressure.”

“These vehicles do not have ‘type approval’ to travel on the public roads and they represent a significant road safety risk. This decision is disappointing but not surprising,” the source told www.irishtrucker.com.