Explanatory note
(This note is not part of the Regulations)
Regulation 7 of the Motor Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1999 (“the 1999 Regulations”) specifies the maximum permitted widths of road vehicles. It is an offence to tow a trailer which exceeds the relevant width. A maximum width of 2.3 metres is (with certain exceptions) specified in the case of a trailer drawn by a motor vehicle having a maximum gross weight of 3500 kg or less.
These Regulations amend the 1999 Regulations so that a maximum width of 2.55 metres applies to all types of trailer except for a trailer drawn by a motor cycle. 2.55 metres is the width referred to in section 7.3.2.1 of Annex I of Directive 97/27/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22nd July 1997 relating to the masses and dimensions of certain categories of motor vehicles and their trailers (O.J. No. L 233, 25.8.1997, p.1).
The Department of the Environment has produced an Explanatory Memorandum and a Regulatory Impact Assessment, showing the effect this instrument will have on the costs of business and public sectors. These documents are available from the Road Safety Division, Department of the Environment, Clarence Court, 10-18 Adelaide Street, Belfast BT2 8GB or may be accessed via the Office of Public Sector Information website at www.opsi.gov.uk.