Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 October 2023
184. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Transport for a detailed timeline for the enactment of the Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023, specifically in relation to the antisocial use of scramblers and quad bikes, which will give gardaí the necessary powers to seize and dispose of vehicles used dangerously, whether at the scene of an offence or at the location where the vehicle is kept; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46692/23]
View answerThe Programme for Government commits to enhancing the powers of An Garda Síochána to limit the antisocial use of scramblers and quad bikes, including through legislation if necessary. The Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023 was signed into law by the President on the 23 June 2023. Among its provisions, the Act aims to adequately tackle the antisocial use of scramblers and quad bikes via three measures:
1. Under Section 5(k), dangerous driving has become an offence everywhere, not only in public places;
2. Under Section 5(p), An Garda Síochána are granted new powers of seizure;
3. Under Section 11(b), there is a new power to provide in regulations for the prohibition or restriction of the uses of classes of vehicles in particular places.
A commencement order was signed into law giving effect to Sections 5(k), 5(p) and 11(b) from 31 July 2023, empowering An Garda Síochána to seize a scrambler or quad bike being drive dangerously in any location.
The Department of Transport is currently in consultation with relevant stakeholders in the context of preparing regulations under Section 11(b). It is important that these regulations have the desired effect, and that the correct areas and territories are targeted. The regulations are anticipated to be place by the end of Q4 2023.
