Brian O'Shea
Question:111 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the proposals he has to increase parking fines for parking in disabled parking zones; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28363/01]
Written Answers. - Parking Fines.
The maximum fine applying to the offence of illegally parking in a disabled persons parking bay provided for under the Road Traffic Acts is currently the general penalty of £150, 190. The determination of the actual fine to be imposed in each particular case is a matter for the courts. The Road Traffic Bill, 2001, provides for major increases in certain financial penalties for road traffic offences including an increase in the general penalty to £634 – 800.
The offence of parking illegally in a disabled person's parking bay comes within the scope of the on the spot fines system and at present a £15, 19, on the spot fine is applicable to offenders who choose to pay to avoid court proceedings. The Road Traffic Bill, 2001, provides for the replacement of the current on the spot fines system by a fixed charge system. It is envisaged that a review of the current on the spot fine levels, including that relating to the offence referred to in the question, will take place in the context of the introduction of the fixed charge system following the enactment of the Bill.