(This note is not part of the Order)
This Order, which consolidates with amendments the Motor Vehicles: Authorisation of Special Types (Northern Ireland) Order 1968 and the amending Orders as specified in Schedule 6, makes provision for the authorisation for use on roads of various special types of vehicles and/or loads.
The principal changes of substance are as follows—
1. The terms “motorway” and “user” in relation to a vehicle replace the terms “special road” and “owner”.
2. Provision is made authorising the use of pedestrian controlled road maintenance vehicles (Article 8).
3. In the case of a vehicle moving excavated material the sum of the weights transmitted to the road surface by any two wheels in line transversely has been increased from 15,000 kilograms to 22,860 kilograms while the sum of the weights so transmitted by all the wheels has been increased from 25,000 kilograms to 50,800 kilograms (Article 15(e)).
4. Motor vehicles and combinations authorised under Article 19 are classified into Categories 1, 2 and 3 according to weight (Article 18).
5. A restriction on the width of a semi-trailer that is dependent upon the weight of the articulated vehicle is removed (Article 20(c)).
6. Revised conditions on weights are introduced for vehicles being used under Article 19 these conditions being dependant upon the vehicle category. They include maximum weights for vehicles, axles, and wheels and requirements for spacing between axles and groups of axles (Article 20(j)).
7. Vehicles being used under Article 19 are exempt from certain requirements of the Motor Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1989. Revised exemptions for vehicles in Categories 1, 2 and 3 manufactured after 1st October 1989 are introduced. New requirements for braking systems on Category 2 and 3 vehicles are also introduced (Article 20(p) and (q)).
8. A condition is introduced that a vehicle authorised by Article 19 shall carry identification signs front and rear (Article 20(r) and Schedule 4).
9. Provision is made for the use of engineering plant authorised for use by Article 21, which complies with the revised conditions specified in Article 22, to entitle it to travel at higher speeds (Article 21(2)(c)).
10. Where an item of engineering plant exceeds 5 metres in width, the details of any route along which it is to travel, must be approved by the Department in writing (Article 21(2)(d)).
11. Revised speed limits are introduced for Category 2 and 3 vehicles authorised for use by Articles 19, 21 or 23. Category 1 vehicles are not subject to these limits (Article 24).
12. A new requirement is introduced regarding vehicles which are authorised by Articles 15, 19, 21 or 23, where the vehicle and its load exceed 5 metres in width. Details of any route along which it is to travel must be approved by the Department in writing (Article 27).
13. The requirements for notification of movements to the police are amended in their application to vehicles authorised for use by Articles 19 and 21, replacing the reference to a total weight of more than 75 tons with a reference to a total weight of more than 80,000 kilograms (Article 28(1)(f)).
14. The notification provisions for the road and bridge authorities are amended so that as regards vehicles authorised for use by Articles 19 and 21 two days advance notice must be given in respect of vehicles or combinations not exceeding 80,000 kilograms, and 5 days in respect of vehicles and combinations exceeding 80,000 kilograms (previously this was 6 days in respect of vehicles and combinations exceeding 75 tons) (Article 29(2)(b)).
15. New requirements are introduced regarding vehicles of excessive weight or carrying excessive loads which are caused to stop for any reason on a bridge (Article 31).
The Orders specified in Schedule 6 are revoked as a consequence of this Order.
Copies of the EEC Directives referred to in this Order can be obtained from The Stationery Office, 16 Arthur Street, Belfast BT1 4GD.