Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 December 2004
84 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport the consideration he has given to the establishment of a traffic warden or police service in Dublin city for the purpose of ensuring the free flow of traffic; his views on whether this would be most appropriately provided by non-Garda personnel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32370/04]
View answerThe primary enforcement role under road traffic legislation is vested in the Garda Síochána. In addition to the gardaí, traffic wardens appointed under the Local Authorities (Traffic Wardens) Act 1975 can exercise powers for the enforcement of parking offences and the detection of out of date motor tax discs on parked vehicles. Local authorities may also engage authorised persons, such as the providers of vehicle clamping and vehicle tow away services, to enforce parking regulations.
The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform and the Minister for Transport recently announced the establishment of a new Garda traffic corps, with the deployment of 1,200 gardaí to traffic duties over the next three years. The corps will have responsibility for both enforcement and dealing with traffic congestion. Establishment of the traffic corps will be facilitated by the recent Government decision to authorise the recruitment of 2,000 extra gardaí over the next three years.
Over the last two years we have looked at policing in other countries to determine how best to progress the proposal to create a traffic corps. That process has involved the consideration of issues relating to the role and make up of a proposed corps, as well as an examination of the situation in other states. The question of the involvement of civilians was considered. In a small number of countries, civilians or "non-executives" get special training to assist in enforcement. However, their powers are limited and only police officers have the power to stop an alleged offender. It is, therefore, considered that the best option is to establish a Garda traffic corps with full Garda powers.
Furthermore, Operation Freeflow, which runs until Friday, 7 January 2005, was officially launched last week. Operation Freeflow involves the Garda Síochána and the Dublin Transportation Office in close co-operation with local authorities and transportation service providers. Under Operation Freeflow, an additional 150 gardaí will be redeployed to the Dublin region to boost traffic resources. More than 100 traffic black spots have been identified throughout the city and will be targeted for attention.
