Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 November 2013
804. Deputy Arthur Spring asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if it is appropriate that a person (details supplied) in County Kerry should go to court in view of the fact that the fine was paid just past the deadline. [46603/13]
View answerThe payment of a fixed charge in respect of a speeding offence is a discretionary option for the recipient of a fixed charge notice following their detection for speeding. The relevant road traffic legislation provides an initial period of 28 days from the date of the notice, during which payment is accepted at the original charge. If no payment is received, a second notice is issued and a further period of 28 days is provided during which payment is accepted at the fixed charge plus 50%. Only if no payment is made by that date is the recipient liable for prosecution for the offence alleged. Once this occurs the matter then proceeds to be dealt with by the courts.
The Deputy will appreciate that road traffic legislation is the responsibility of my colleague the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport. I am informed that a number of legislative changes are contained in the Road Traffic Act, 2010 which provide that a person who is served with a summons in respect of a fixed charge offence will have a further option to pay a fixed charge, of an amount 100% greater than the original fixed charge, not later than seven days before the date of the court on which the charge is to be heard. The section further provides that, if the person pays, the fixed charge proceedings in respect of the alleged offence will be discontinued and the person need not attend the court on the day. I understand the measures necessary to enable this provision to be brought into effect are being addressed at present.
