Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 17 Apr 1991

Vol. 407 No. 1

Written Answers. - Illegal Parking in Bus Lanes.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

230 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for the Environment if he will consider giving powers to Bus Áth Cliath and Bus Éireann to issue parking tickets to the growing number of motorists who (a) park illegally at bus stops and (b) use bus lanes in restricted hours, thereby causing substantial and unnecessary disruption to bus traffic; if he will initiate a system similar to that operated in Paris where the bus lanes are enforced by RATP, the public transport operator; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for the Environment (Mr. Flynn)

Power to apply the fixed payment notices system — i.e. the on the spot fine system — in respect of alleged traffic and parking offences is vested in the Garda Síochána under the Road Traffic Acts. A similar power in respect of alleged parking offences is vested in local authorities under the Local Authorities (Traffic Wardens) Act 1975. I consider that effective application of the system should be possible under these arrangements and I have no proposals to amend the law to involve other agencies.