asked the Minister for the Environment the changes needed on roads to cater for the change from 32 tons to 38 tonnes in the gross vehicle weight permitted in haulage.

In 1983, regulations were made increasing the maximum gross vehicle weight of heavy goods vehicles from 32 imperial tons to 38 metric tonnes. The regulations provided for more detailed controls on axle spacings and axle weights. The aim of these controls is to secure the distribution of heavy loads in such a way as to minimise damage to road pavements and bridges.

I am advised that because an extra axle gives better load distribution a 38 tonne truck causes roughly the same damage as a 32 ton truck. However, the 38 tonne truck permitted by the 1983 regulations allows a given weight of road freight haulage to be carried on a smaller number of vehicles. In this way the overall level of road damage by road haulage operations should be reduced.

The 38 tonne limit is more in line with limits in other EC countries and enables Irish hauliers to compete more effectively in the home and international markets.