127. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Transport if the EU directive 2012 HGV legislation (Unladen Weight to Gross Vehicle Weight) is being enforced since its proposed implementation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25026/24]

The maximum authorised dimensions and weights of heavy-duty vehicles used in national and international commercial transport are set down in the Weights and Dimensions Directive 96/53/EC. This Directive is given effect in Irish law by the Road Traffic (Construction and Use of Vehicles) Regulations 2003, as amended.

The Deputy may wish to note that this Directive was not amended in 2012. Separately, Regulation (EU) 1230/2012 amended the EU type-approval Directive 2007/46/EC on the type-approval of vehicle weights and dimensions. This legislation was replaced by Regulation (EU) 2018/858, given effect in Irish law by the European Union (Road Vehicles: Type-Approval and Market Surveillance) Regulations 2020 (SI 556 of 2020), as amended.

Any vehicle placed on the market within the EU must have type-approval from an EU Type-Approval Authority in respect of the vehicle's maximum dimensions and weight. Without this certification, a vehicle may not be registered.