Vehicle Clamping

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 April 2013

Tuesday, 16 April 2013

Questions (1352)

Brendan Smith

Question:

1352. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will clarify the rules, protocols or regulations that private clamping firms operate under; if there is a national body through which his Department talks with clamping firms; the agreements, formal or informal under which they operate; if there is a level of discussion or understanding ongoing; the way complaints to his Department in relation to perceived abuse of power are dealt with; the forum that is used for exchanging views; his plans to formalise matters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16887/13]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

While Section 101B of the Road Traffic Act, 1961, (inserted by Section 9 of the Dublin Transport Authority (Dissolution) Act, 1987) provides for the clamping and/or towing of vehicles illegally parked on a public road or in local authority car parks, there is currently no regulation of clamping companies nor of the activity of clamping on private land.

In line with the commitment contained in the Programme for Government to “legislate to regulate the vehicle clamping industry”, I have received Government approval for the drafting of a Regulation of Vehicle Immobilisation Bill and have published the Heads of the Bill on my Department's website.

Under the provisions of this Bill, the National Transport Authority will be given powers to licence clamping companies, set clamping-release fees, establish an appeals process and separate complaints procedure, as well as introducing an industry-wide code of practice.

Following drafting of the Bill over the coming months, I hope to introduce it in the Oireachtas by the end of the year.