Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 5 Dec 2000

Vol. 527 No. 3

Written Answers. - Road Traffic Offences.

Brendan Howlin

Ceist:

318 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the increased use of fog lights on mechanically propelled vehicles at times of normal visibility; his views on the danger this presents as a result of the risk of dazzling oncoming motorists; the number of prosecutions initiated by members of An Garda Síochána in 2000 in respect of the improper use of such lights; if he will ask the Garda to enforce the regulations relating to the use of such lights during the forthcoming Christmas 2000 road safety campaign; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28894/00]

Alan Shatter

Ceist:

349 Mr. Shatter asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the increased use of fog lights on mechanically propelled vehicles at times of normal visibility; his views on the danger this presents as a result of the risk of dazzling oncoming motorists; the number of prosecutions initiated by members of An Garda Síochána in 2000 in respect of the improper use of such lights; if he will ask the Garda to enforce the regulations relating to the use of such lights during the forthcoming Christmas road safety campaign; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28727/00]

Alan Shatter

Ceist:

350 Mr. Shatter asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the increased use of coloured lights at the front of and underneath mechanically propelled vehicles in contravention of the construction, equipment and use of vehicles regulations; the number of prosecutions initiated by members of An Garda Síochána in 2000 in respect of the improper use of such lights; if he will ask the Garda to enforce the regulations relating to the use of such lights during the forth coming Christmas road safety campaign; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28728/00]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 318, 349 and 350 together.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that fog lamps are intended for use only in fog or while snow is falling. I am further informed that to be correctly fitted such lights, must be between 20 and 48 inches above the ground and must be permanently deflected downwards and to the left.

As Deputy Shatter will appreciate, the regulations he quotes are a matter for the Minister for the Environment and Local Government. If he requires further information on the legislation in this area, and the restrictions applying to the various categories of vehicle lights, perhaps he would consult with my colleague, the Minister for the Environment and Local Government.

I can inform the Deputies, however, that there were 5,617 prosecutions taken by the Garda under the lighting regulations in 1999. While it is not possible to break this figure down by offence type, I understand that the enforcement of the lighting regulations is given high priority by the Garda and the Deputies can be assured that this policy will continue.