Road Traffic Offences.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 February 2004

Tuesday, 17 February 2004

Questions (380)

Joe Costello

Question:

465 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of cyclists in the Dublin metropolitan area who have been cautioned or arrested for cycling on the footpath, inadequate night-time illumination, not stopping at red traffic lights, not stopping at a pedestrian crossings, or cycling in the wrong direction on a one-way street; if the Garda will continue to be responsible for enforcing the law in relation to all road traffic offences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4981/04]

Written answers

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the information requested by the Deputy could only be obtained by the expenditure of a disproportionate amount of Garda time and resources. However, information in relation to instances of breaches of the road traffic law by cyclists where prosecutions were initiated in the Dublin metropolitan region in 2002 are set out in the following table. Obviously the Garda administers a caution in many cases, especially where the offender is under 18 years.

The role of the Garda Síochána in enforcing road traffic legislation is being considered in the context of the revised strategy on road safety which is currently being finalised.

2002	Proceedings Commenced
No brakes, pedal cycle	35
Dangerous riding of pedal cycle	44
Careless riding of pedal cycle	99
Riding pedal cycle without reasonable consideration for other road users.	54
No front light on pedal cycle	293
No rear light on pedal cycle	279
No rear reflector on pedal cycle	195

Question No. 466 answered with QuestionNo. 459.