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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 15 Apr 1997

Vol. 477 No. 5

Written Answers. - National Disc Parking Scheme.

M. J. Nolan

Ceist:

132 Mr. Nolan asked the Minister for the Environment if he will introduce a national disc parking scheme in view of the number of local authorities who now have their own disc parking schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7329/97]

The statutory basis for the application of disc parking is currently provided in traffic and parking by-laws made by the Garda Commissioner under sections 89 and 90 of the Road Traffic Act, 1961, following consultation with the relevant local authorities and with my consent. Under these by-laws, the introduction of disc parking in any area is a matter for the local authority concerned. The charges for parking discs are set down in the by-laws.

Sections 35 and 36 of the Road Traffic Act, 1994, which I intend to implement this month, provide for the replacement of sections 89 and 90 of the 1961 Act. Section 36 will allow local authorities to make their own by-laws in relation to paid parking controls generally, including disc parking, without the approval of the Commissioner or the Minister. This devolution of control is in line with the general policy of extending the discretionary powers of local authorities; it is desirable also, in this case, to give local authorities maximum freedom, in the exercise of their traffic management and other responsibilities, to determine the level of charges and other conditions which should apply to parking in their areas, having regard to local circumstances.
At present, rates of charge for disc parking vary widely and it is probable that local authorities wish such variations to continue, having regard to the different circumstances of different areas. The adoption of a national disc parking scheme, with standard fees, or the introduction of mutual recognition arrangements while maintaining different fee levels, could give rise to significant income losses for some local authorities.
Under the new arrangements to be introduced under the Road Traffic Act, 1994, it will be a matter for local authorities generally, or particular groups of authorities, to determine whether or not to introduce greater standardisation in the conditions and charges for disc parking. A possible alternative, from the point of view of the convenience of motorists, would be the introduction by local authorities of arrangements whereby discs would be more widely available for purchase in their areas, particularly by visitors, singly or from on-street machines; it will be a matter for local authorities to consider this and other possibilities in reviewing their disc parking systems.
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