Tuesday 6 February 2007

Port Tunnel - Details of the HGV Cordon Restrictions

Dublin City Council have announced details of the Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGV) Cordon Restrictions, which come into operation on the 19th February 2007.

From that date, 5+ axle vehicles and over, will be prohibited from travelling within a cordon area of the city (roughly bounded by the canals) from 07.00-19.00 Monday to Sunday. Access to Dublin Port will be via the Dublin Port Tunnel for these vehicles. The only exception will be vehicles with a valid permit, issued by Dublin City Council.

"The HGV Cordon Restrictions will ensure maximum use of the Dublin Port Tunnel by heavy goods vehicles. It will also make the city more accessible for pedestrians, cyclists, public transport and other motorists" - said Michael Phillips, City Engineer and Director of Traffic,

A limited online permit scheme will be available from 13th February - Click Here - for 5+ axle vehicles that currently load or unload within the cordon.

There will be no charge for a Load/Unload Permit until May 1st - when a fee of €5 will apply. Daily permits will be produced and stored online and will be available to An Garda Siochána to enforce the system. The number of trips made - and the destinations within the cordon - will be recorded on the Permit.

Premises which need to receive deliveries from 5+ axle vehicles should register and supply a mitigation plan - showing how they plan to substantially reduce or eliminate the number of 5+ axle deliveries they require and the timescale involved in achieving this.

"The permit scheme is designed to facilitate the transition to minimal use of deliveries by 5+ axle vehicles within the city cordon" - said Michael Phillips. "The intention is to see a year-on-year reduction in the number of permits issued, as businesses change to 'out of cordon hours' deliveries - or to using smaller vehicles to make deliveries."

Vehicles of 5+ axle that are not allowed to use the Dublin Port Tunnel under the terms of the Tunnel bye-laws, may apply for a Transit Permit. This permit will allow the vehicle to exit or enter the port area, along East Wall Road and Alfie Byrne Road only. The vehicle may not use other designated roads within the cordon area. There is no charge for this permit.

In the event that the Port Tunnel is closed for a lengthy period, An Garda Siochána have the power to lift the HGV cordon restrictions if they feel it is warranted. Non-permit holders should only enter the cordon once an official announcement has been made.

Hauliers can register - Click Here - for SMS and email updates if the cordon restrictions are lifted. Variable Message Signs on the motorway - in the port and city - will also be updated as required. FM103.2 will give traffic information at peak hours and there is a 1800 29 39 49 number.

Fines of €800 will apply for a breach of the cordon - rising to a fine of €1500 for a second offence and a risk of a fine of €1500 and imprisonment for a third offence.


Crucial Dates

13th February 2007 - online registration opens for permits - Click Here
19th February 2007 - city cordon ban comes in to effect - only 5+ axle vehicles with valid permits can entry the cordon between 07.00 and 19.00 - Monday to Friday
2nd April 2007 - premises can register their details and submit a mitagation plan
1st May 2007 - permits are charged at €5 - rising to €10 in 2012.

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