Vol. 555 No. 3
105 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Transport his proposals to increase the present fine for parking illegally in a disabled parking space from its current non-prohibitive rate of ?19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17426/02]
The maximum fine applying to the offence of illegally parking in a disabled persons parking bay provided for under the Road Traffic Acts is currently €19, which is the general penalty that applies to the majority of offences under these Acts. The determination of the actual fine to be imposed in each particular case is a matter for the courts. The Road Traffic Act 2002, which was passed by the Oireachtas in March, provides for major increases in certain financial penalties for road traffic offences including an increase in the general penalty to €80.
The offence of parking illegally in a disabled person's parking bay currently comes within the scope of the on-the-spot fines system. The amount of the on-the-spot fine applicable to this offence is currently €19, which is the level that applies to the majority of parking offences. Where an on-the-spot fine notice is issued, it is open to the person to whom the notice is addressed to pay the relevant amount so as to avoid the matter proceeding to court. The Road Traffic Act, 2002 provides for the replacement of the current on-the-spot fines system by a fixed charge system. This new system will bring greater certainty to the application of administrative charges for the majority of traffic and parking offences. It will feature, in particular, a provision through which the original amount of the fixed charge will automatically increase by 50% where payment is not made within 28 days of the date of the original notice. The introduction of the new system will not affect the right of the accused person to allow a matter proceed for hearing in the District Court.
Question No. 106 answered with Question No. 82.
Question No. 107 answered with Question No. 80.
