Michael Ferris
Question:53 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the number of tachograph blitz organised by her transport officers in each of the years from 1995 to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12796/98]
Written Answers. - Road Safety.
The number of tachograph roadside blitz campaigns in which transport officers participated and the total days involved is as follows:
Number of Blitz
|
1995 |
2 (23 days) |
|
1996 |
2 (19 days) |
|
1997 |
4 (12 days) |
|
1998 |
7 (16 days) |
In August 1997 a very successful inspection of tachographs was also carried out, through a postal survey, of vehicles registered in the Kerry area.
Since 1997 the focus of our blitz operations has shifted from checking of tachographs by transport officers purely to multi-agency checkpoints which cover a range of enforcement activities, including tachographs. These multi-agency checkpoints include officers of the Garda Customs and Excise, the Department of the Environment and Local Government, and the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs. Plans are in train to extend these multi-agency checkpoints as they have proven to be very effective.
As part of the new road safety drive undertaken by the Garda National Traffic Policy Bureau, my Department also took part in intensive checkpoints as part of Operation Lifesaver in various Garda divisions. Some cross-Border checkpoints have been carried out in co-operation with our Northern Irish counterparts in compliance with EU requirements.
I assure the House that these dedicated blitz campaigns are additional to the regular nationwide roadside checkpoints carried out by transport officers as part of their weekly duties.