(Cavan) asked the Minister for Justice whether Garda patrols at normal strength are on duty to prevent breaches of the speed limits under the Road Traffic Acts; and, if not, if he will state the reason and make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Speed Limit Breaches.
84.
The question appears to be based on a misunderstanding. There has been little or no reliance at any time on Garda patrols to secure compliance with the speed limit regulations and the question of patrols at normal strength for this purpose does not arise.
I am aware that there is a school of thought that holds that the sight of the uniform of a patrolling garda has a deterrent effect but, without denying that this is so, I am disposed to agree with those who hold that it is not at all a practical system in a country such as this where there is a very big mileage of roadway for the size of our population and for the size of the Garda force, and where, therefore, Garda patrols on the open road must always be thinly spread. In our circumstances, there seems to be little doubt that speed limits can be enforced only through the machinery of detections and prosecutions and the deterrent effect of such prosecutions.
The records show that a good deal of attention has, in fact, been paid to enforcement of the speed limit regulations. In the first year of operation of the 60 mph general speed-limit regulations, that is, the year ended 31st March last, 1,240 prosecutions were brought for breaches of the regulations. In addition, 754 cautions were given to drivers found exceeding the limit by only a very small margin. On the other hand, I think it should be quite clear from the replies I have given here recently that I do not for a moment pretend that more could not be done in that respect if we had more manpower or that we could not find other useful work as well for an expanded Garda force if the cost of such an expansion were not such a daunting prospect. I repeat, therefore, that I regard it as my duty to take all possible steps to ensure that the most effective possible use is made of our existing resources before asking the Government to impose on the taxpayer the substantial burden which any significant expansion of the force would entail.
(Cavan): It may be that the reference to Garda patrols in the question was unfortunate phraseology. Will the Minister agree that the system of speed traps used a couple of years ago to enforce the 30 mph speed limit, and more recently to enforce the 60 mph speed limit, is now for all practical purposes non-existent?
I would not agree at all. The latest date for which I have the figures relating to all the speed limits, as opposed to the 60 mph speed limit, indicates that in the Garda year ended 30th September, 1969, the number of prosecutions in respect of all speed limit offences was 14,347 which was an increase of 121 on the previous year.
(Cavan): Could the Minister confirm that these speed traps are as active and as numerous since 1st January last as they were for the previous 12 months?
I have no figures in respect of the last six months in relation to prosecutions and that would be the only definite way of answering the Deputy, but I should imagine from my own observation and overall knowledge of the situation that as from 1st April last there are probably fewer gardaí engaged on this work than there were before that date because of the implementation of the chief recommendation of the Conroy Commission Report.
(Cavan): I am sorry to trespass on the time of the House but what I want to suggest is that the Garda force is completely insufficient for the purposes of carrying out this duty of detection of speeding offences and other similar offences.
I went into all that in some considerable detail last week and I think I shall have to go into it again on the next few questions. I shall probably be repeating myself ad nauseam.
Would the Minister say whether State cars are bound by the 60 mph limit?
That question was often answered by my various predecessors.
He had queer views on different things. What is the Minister's view on this?
No doubt the Deputy is well aware of the regulations.
That is a separate question.
Surely it is not unreasonable to ask if the Minister observes a law which his predecessor brought into this House?
That would be a separate question.
A very pertinent one.