Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 26 Jan 2000

Vol. 513 No. 1

Written Answers. - Traffic Fines.

Michael Bell

Question:

663 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the measures, if any, he proposes to take to make out of state drivers amenable to the speed limit laws in view of the fact that approximately 40% of speeding fines in the Louth and Meath divisions were issued to such drivers and many fined could not be subsequently traced or could not be further pursued under existing arrangements; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that similar problems have arisen over many years in civil cases involving damage to private motor vehicles and property; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1429/00]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue):

At the outset, I should state that out of state drivers when driving in this State, just like anyone else, are obliged to obey the rules of the road and to comply with road traffic legislation including speeding regulations. I am informed by the Garda authorities that where offences have been detected appropriate action, including prosecutions, are taken.

In relation to the issue of fine-on-the-spot speeding tickets, I am informed by the Garda authorities that provisional figures for such tickets issued for speeding offences in the Louth-Meath division for 1999 are set out in the tabular statement hereunder:

Total No. of speeding tickets issued	20,208
Total No. of speeding tickets paid	16,159
Total No. of speeding tickets issued to non residents	3,217
Total No. of speeding tickets not paid by non residents	1,477

I wish to assure the Deputy that the Garda authorities are constantly monitoring their fine collection systems with a view to improving collection rates. I am informed that, in this regard, consideration is being given by the gardaí to the introduction of a credit card payment system into Garda stations throughout the state which could further boost the voluntary payment rates of fines from out of state drivers as well as local drivers.

In relation to civil cases involving damage to motor vehicles and property, I am further informed by the Garda authorities that under the EU directive on compulsory insurance (No. 72/166) mechanically propelled vehicles normally based in other EU member states and vehicles in third countries associated with the European Union are covered by an agreement between the National Insurance Bureau of the member states and the "Associated Countries" whereby the settlement of claims in respect of accidents is guaranteed even where the vehicle is not insured. Such claims are processed by the Irish Visiting Motorists Bureau.