Vol. 527 No. 3
352 Mr. Shatter asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of cars impounded by members of An Garda Síochána at roadside checks as a result of dangerous mechanical or electrical defects to date in 2000; and the plans he has to request the Garda to exercise vigilance for such defects at road blocks during the road safety campaign this Christmas. [28730/00]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that they have no power to impound a vehicle which has a defect. I understand that section 20 of the Road Traffic Act, 1961, as amended, does, however, give the Garda power to examine vehicles in certain circumstances.
I am further informed that it would require a considerable amount of Garda time to compile details of the vehicles examined by the Garda and I hope the Deputy will appreciate that this could only be achieved by the expenditure of a disproportionate amount of Garda time and resources.
The Deputy can be assured that the Garda will, at all times, continue to exercise vigilance in detecting breaches of the law, including the road traffic laws.
