John O'Donoghue
Ceist:27 Mr. O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Justice the proposals, if any, she has to eradicate intimidation of motorists by self-appointed traffic wardens in Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3807/96]
Written Answers. - “Self-appointed” Traffic Wardens.
These "self-appointed" traffic wardens or "lock hard" men have operated in Dublin and other cities for many years. All complaints about intimidating behaviour by car park attendants are investigated by the Garda authorities and prosecutions are taken where an offence is deemed to have been committed. If the Deputy has evidence of such intimidation, he should give it to the Garda for investigation by them.
The Garda cannot prohibit them from parking cars in a public street. From time to time members of the public complain to gardaí about intimidating behaviour by car park attendants. However, very often they do not wait until the gardaí arrive or if they do they are reluctant to go to court. The only action gardaí can then take is to move them on or arrest-prosecute for begging, being drunk and disorderly, breach of the peace, etc. The Garda have found that whenever a charge of begging is preferred judges almost invariably apply the Probation Act unless other charges such as larceny, criminal damages, etc. are also put.