I propose to take Questions Nos. 546 and 554 together.
The Vehicle Clamping Act 2015 (Commencement) Order 2017 (SI Number 211/2017) provided for the 1st June 2017 and the 1st October 2017 to be the operative dates for the purposes of the Act.
On the 1st June 2017 a certain number of sections of the Act were commenced to allow the NTA commence a public consultation process in relation to draft Regulations relating to clamping, signage and clamp release charges. This consultation was conducted in June and July and, subsequently, Regulations were drafted and came into effect on 1 October 2017.
On 1st October 2017 the National Transport Authority (NTA) assumed its responsibilities as the regulator of vehicle clamping activities in both statutory and non-statutory (privately-owned) clamping places throughout the State.
Under the Act the appeals and complaints procedures also came into force on 1st October 2017. The NTA is now responsible for processing all second-stage clamping appeals arising from clamping activities anywhere in the State including such appeals against on-street clamping in Dublin City which were previously administered by Dublin City Council.
The NTA will also prepare a draft code of practice providing practical guidance regarding compliance with the Act and the regulations and establishing standards in relation to the general behaviour, performance of duties and conduct of parking controllers and clamping operators with regard to clamping activities.
The full Vehicle Clamping Act 2015 along with the Vehicle Clamping and Signage Regulations can be viewed on the National Transport Authority website at www.nationaltransport.ie/vehicle-clamping