Republic of Ireland truck height restriction comes into force

Hauliers operating in and out of the Republic of Ireland will today (1 November) no longer be able to operate trucks over the height of 4.65m.

The Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport (DTTAS) said the height restriction has been imposed to “protect expensive physical infrastructure”, such as railway bridges, road safety, and “quality of life considerations” for residents.

Part of the decision, the government agency said, was due to vehicles over 4.65m diverting through urban areas when they are not able to use the tunnels at Dublin Port, Limerick or the Jack Lynch tunnel in Cork.

The country’s intention to continue with the proposals was revealed in January 2007, following a consultation which took place in 2005.

A spokesman for the Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA) revealed that the association had written a letter to transport minister Leo Varadkar in June this year, highlighting why the five year 'wash out' period to allow operators with vehicles over 4.65m that were licenced, registered, or in use prior to the height limit being set in November 2008 to refresh their fleet, should be extended.

The letter stated that the IRHA had concerns that the limit would "adversely affect costs in the supply chain", prevent hauliers from operating double-deck trailers, and put more vehicles on the road.

In “exceptional circumstances”, over-height vehicles will be able to use the country’s roads.