Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 March 2004
541 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will provide additional funding to increase the number of parking spaces for disabled persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8506/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhere a person is convicted in court of the offence of illegally parking in a disabled person's parking bay, he or she is liable to a fine not exceeding €800 for a first offence, a fine not exceeding €1,500 for a second or subsequent offence, and if a third or subsequent such offence is committed within 12 months, the person is liable to a fine not exceeding €1,500 or, at the discretion of the court, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three months, or both. The determination of the actual fine to be imposed in each case is a matter for the courts.
The offence in question comes within the scope of the on-the-spot fines system. The amount of the on-the-spot fine applicable to this offence is €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. The new system, which already applies to the offences of exceeding a speed limit and breaching the requirements for the use of seat belts, brings greater certainty to the application of administrative charges regarding offences. It features, 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 roll-out of the system to the majority of traffic and parking offences, including the offence of parking in a disabled person's parking bay, is being progressed in conjunction with the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform and the Garda authorities. I envisage that the process will feature the updating of the charges associated with parking offences generally, including that offence.
