Labour takes Cullen to task over failure to ban ‘supertrucks’

LABOUR last night attacked Transport Minister Martin Cullen for failing to ban “supertrucks” from Irish roads.

Roisin Shortall TD warned height limits on the massive lorries had been pledged four years ago, but had yet to be introduced.

“Unless the promised ban on supertrucks is brought into operation, we are still face a major problem from these vehicles despite the opening of the Port Tunnel.

“Because the Port Tunnel is unable to accommodate these massive vehicles they will have to continue to be allowed to access the port via the quays and through communities in adjacent areas. There will also be no restriction on these huge trucks trundling through villages and towns and along inadequate country roads throughout the country,” Labour’s transport spokesperson said.

She warned the “supertrucks” posed a major environmental danger.

“Most European countries have now taken steps to ban trucks over four metres in height. Given their impact on the roads system and safety and environmental concerns generally, there is an unanswerable case for placing restrictions on the height of vehicles operating in this country.

“In September 2005, the Taoiseach said trucks which were too big to use the Port Tunnel ‘should be turned around and sent back because they are not wanted’. The failure of the Taoiseach and Mr Cullen to introduce the regulations to allow this to be done is inexplicable.”

The Transport Department said an announcement would be made soon.