asked the Minister for Transport and Power whether a person who travels on public transport without paying a fare is liable to prosecution; if so, who has the right to so prosecute, the authority for the prosecution and the penalties applicable.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Prosecution for Non-Payment of Fares.
19.
Mr. Ryan
Under the provisions of section 5 of the Regulation of Railways Act, 1889, every passenger on a railway is obliged, on request by an officer or servant of the railway company, either to produce a ticket showing that his fare is paid, or to pay the said fare, or to give his name and address. If the circumstances indicate the intention to avoid paying a fare, the person concerned is liable to prosecution under the said section and the railway company has the right to prosecute. The penalties for offences are laid down by section 5 of the Act of 1889.
Article 56 of the Road Traffic (Public Service Vehicle) Regulations, 1963, provides that a person who travels on a public service vehicle, that is, any road vehicle used for the carriage of passengers for reward, shall not refuse or omit to pay the appropriate fare. A contravention of this provision constitutes an offence under section 82 (6) of the Road Traffic Act, 1961, and a person who commits such an offence is liable to prosecution, the penalties applicable being set out in section 102 of the Act. Such offences are prosecuted by the Garda Síochána in the ordinary way.