SOUTH Dublin County Council will ban heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) on the Newcastle Road during school hours from October this year.
The restriction will be in place between the N4 interchange and Esker Road, ensuring that two local schools – St Thomas’s and Scoil Aine – will no longer have trucks outside their doors.
In a letter to councillors this week, council management confirmed that the new regulations will come into effect on October 1.
The letter said: “In accordance with the recently-adopted HGV mobility policy, Newcastle Road is a strategic road. Furthermore, the section of road has a significant number of vulnerable road users.
“It is therefore considered appropriate that a weight restriction is considered for Newcastle Road.
“In accordance with the policy, the appropriate restriction is 12.5 tonnes, and school time is considered as the operational times of the school warden service.
“The restriction will be required between the N4 interchange and the junction at Esker Road.
“The success of any restriction is dependent on the availability of suitable alternative routes, in order that restricted vehicles are advised in good time.
“A warning sign will also be provided at the junction of R120 and R134 Nangor Road.”
Cllr William Lavelle (FG) said that the restriction comes as the result of a concerted campaign.
He said: “I warmly welcome the confirmation that a school-time restriction on large trucks is due to be introduced later this year.
“I firmly believe that this will improve safety at Newcastle Road and will facilitate and encourage more children and parents to walk and cycle to and from school.”
He added: “There have been false dawns in the past, and we will not stop with our campaign until the signs are installed and the restriction is in place.”
