asked the Minister for the Environment if he will introduce comprehensive legislation which will give powers to the Garda Síochána to move caravans and other vehicles from public roads where they are causing environmental and health hazards because current statutes do not enable local authorities to do same even though they have established substantial developed halting sites as required by the District and higher Courts.
Written Answers. - Parking of Vehicles on Public Roads.
67.
Current legislative provisions in relation to unauthorised camping and parking on roadsides, lay-bys, open spaces and car parks are contained in Part IV of the Local Government (Sanitary Services) Act, 1948. The provisions of the Litter Act, 1982 can also be used by local authorities to deal with litter abuses.
The parking of vehicles generally on public roads is also subject to various prohibitions and restrictions imposed directly by the Road Traffic Acts, by general road traffic regulations (i.e. the general rules of the road) made under those Acts and by local traffic and parking by-laws or temporary rules made by the Garda Commissioner with my consent. Included in these controls is the power to remove vehicles which are either left on a public road in such a position as to cause danger or to obstruct traffic or are abandoned.
Proposals for amendment of existing legislation in relation to caravans, camping and temporary dwellings are under consideration at present.