Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 May 2017
165. Deputy John Curran asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of prosecutions for breaches of the weight restrictions on Kennelsfort Road, Palmerstown, Dublin 20, between March 2016 and March 2017; the number of these breaches which were dealt with by fixed charge notices; the number of cases which resulted in penalty points being issued; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20281/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have requested a Garda report on the matter referred to in the Deputy's question and will contact the Deputy directly on receipt of a Garda report.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 42A
The Garda authorities have since provided my Department with the following report:
Checkpoints are conducted by Garda personnel both randomly and pursuant to the Road Traffic Acts for the purpose of: Mandatory Alcohol/Intoxicant Testing; detecting offences contrary to the Road Traffic Acts and Transport Regulations; as well as detecting other criminal offences. Gardaí on duty would also, in the ordinary course of their duties, frequently have occasion to engage and interact with drivers and other road users and such interactions may not necessitate further action or be recorded. Multi-agency checkpoints are conducted by An Garda Síochána with other agencies including the Road Safety Authority, Taxi Regulator, RevenueCommissioners (i.e. Customs + Excise) and the Department of Social Protection, but are not separately recorded on the Garda PULSE System.
Dedicated initiatives, either independent or in conjunction with European colleagues under the auspices of TISPOL, are also frequently put in place by An Garda Síochána to detect specific offences by specific groups of road users, including HGVs, the purpose of which is to assist the European Community in reducing road fatalities on Europe’s roads.
It is advised that the specific area reference by the Deputy is in the DMR West Garda Division and, between March 2016-2017, a total of 118 HGV checkpoints were conducted by personnel from the DMR West Garda Division. Records indicate that a total of six Fixed Charge Notices have, to date, been issued during this period for weight-related offences for the Division, all of which are recorded as having been paid and notification passed to the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government for penalty points to be recorded on the appropriate driving licences.
