Frequently Asked Questions on HGV Management Strategy

Back to HGV Management

Dublin City Council’s HGV management strategy came into operation on 19 February 2007. Since then, 5+ axle vehicles  are prohibited from travelling within a cordon area of the city (roughly bounded by the canals) from 7AM to 7PM Monday to Sunday unless in possession of a valid permit.

5+ Axle Drivers

5+ Axle drivers should where possible:

  • Use a smaller truck, 4 axles or less
  • Deliver outside of the cordon hours, 7PM to 7AM Mon to Sun.
  • Apply for a permit if you must use a 5+ axle vehicle.

An online permit scheme is available at www.hgv.ie and will allow you to apply for a permit 14 days in advance.

Are all vehicles affected?

No, as restrictions only applies to 5 or more axle vehicles.

Permits

A limited permit scheme is in operation by Dublin City Council. Permits are produced, stored online and are available to An Garda Siochana to enforce the system. The permit system issues daily permits, recording the number of trips made and their destinations within the cordon.

There are two types of permit:

Load/unload for 5+ axle vehicles loading or unloading at premises inside the cordon area.

Transit Permit for vehicles prohibited from using the Port Tunnel because they are carrying restricted goods or are too wide for the Port Tunnel. These HGVs are confined to exit or enter the cordon area along East Wall Road and Alfie Byrne Road only.

Permit Fee

Load/Unload permits cost €10 per permit, per day payable by credit card ONLY. A permit allows a maximum of five stops within the cordon area.

Transit Permits are free.

How do I get a Load/Unload permit?

Online at www.hgv.ie

Either the haulier or the premises or a third party can apply for a permit.

To apply for a permit the applicant is required to enter the following information:

  • Details of the 5+ axle vehicle
  • Details of the haulage company applying for the permit
  • Date of the permit is required
  • Address of the destination premises
  • Details of the journey.

There is a user’s guide available on www.hgv.ie explaining the procedure in detail.

How to get a transit permit?

Online at www.hgv.ie and click on apply for a transit permit

A 5+ axle vehicle that is not allowed to use the Dublin Port Tunnel as they are too wide or they are carrying dangerous goods. This permit will allow the vehicle to exit or enter the cordon 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.

What do I receive?

The applicant will receive details of the permit on screen showing all the information regarding the permit. The applicant will also receive an email with the permit details if an email was supplied during the permit application process. There is no obligation on the applicant/driver to have a physical copy of the permit.

How is the permit scheme enforced?

Authorisation is by electronic registration on the HGV permit scheme and any print out is for the applicants information only.

An Garda Siochana are the enforcing body and have direct access to the HGV permit scheme database.

If an applicant is found in breach of the terms and conditions of the permit scheme, they are liable to receive a fixed charge notice of €200.

Can I choose my own route through the HGV cordon?

No. HGV’s are confined to designated roads comprised of the main roads into the city centre and the known orbital routes. Local Statutory signs on these roads must be upheld, i.e. 3 tonne limits, turn bans etc.

How do I use this list of designated roads?

A 5+ axle vehicle may use any designated roads in order to travel to the nearest point to the load/unload stop, and only then can they depart from a designated road to access the address on the permit. Should a 5+ axle vehicle be found in a location that is inconsistent with the destination address detailed on the permit, it will be viewed as an invalid permit and a breach of the scheme.

Can I get a permit if I am not making a load/unload within the cordon area?

No. The permit should only be used for the purpose of accessing a load/unload stop within the cordon during cordon hours.

Refund of a permit

There is no refund facility available.

Port Tunnel Closure

Short-term tunnel closures will not result in the cordon being lifted. In the event of a lengthy tunnel closure the Gardai 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.

How will I know if the cordon is lifted?

Variable message signs on the M50, in the port throughout the city will be updated.

Tune into Live Drive on 103.2FM Mon –Fir 7-10AM, 4-7PM.

Lo-call 1800 29 39 49.

Premises within the cordon area

Companies that operate premises within the cordon and that wish to continue to use 5+ axle vehicles during cordon hours must register online at www.hgv.ie. This includes construction sites. They must submit a mitigation plan showing how the number of deliveries will be substantially reduced or eliminated. The mitigation plan template can be found at www.dublincity.ie/hgv

What information is required in the mitigation plan?

  • An explanation of why 5+ axle HGV’s are needed.
  • Number of trips by 5+ axle HGV’s per month at present within the cordon time period.
  • Proposals on how this number will reduce on a year by year basis.
  • Time scale for when the company will no longer require permits.

Can premises within the cordon area make or receive deliveries without registering?

Yes, premises can make or receive deliveries, but only, outside of cordon hours. (7PM – 7AM Monday - Sunday)