Tony Gregory
Question:95 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Justice if he will give details of any plans to privatise the towing-away of illegally parked cars; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Tow Truck Service.
A total of 1,340 cars were towed away by the gardaí in Dublin in 1988 generating £29,522 in tow charges income. In the first nine months of 1991, 4,753 cars were towed away by the Force generating £383,040 in tow charges income. The gardaí are now fully equipped with motor cycles, two trucks and two large capacity car pounds to carry out with efficiency the towing away of illegally parked vehicles in Dublin. Even in jurisdictions where private companies operate tow trucks to remove illegally parked vehicles there is extensive police involvement in the process.
In the circumstances, I have no plans at present to privatise the towing of illegally parked cars.