Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 March 2023
82. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Transport when the new powers in relation to the use of scramblers will be activated; and if guidelines will be issued to gardaí at local level on the use of these powers. [14122/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Road Traffic and Roads Bill 2021 is due to return to the Seanad for the Report and Final Stage on 28 March. Given that there are Seanad amendments, a report back to the Dáil after passing the Seanad will be required. It is anticipated that the Bill will be signed into law in quarter 2 of 2023. Work on commencement orders has begun.
This is quite a large Bill covering many topics, one of these being tackling the anti-social use of scramblers and other similar vehicles. The Deputy will be aware that there are three measures in the Bill to address this matter. Dangerous driving, currently an offence only in a ‘public place’ will become an offence everywhere; there will be new Garda powers of seizure; and there will be a new power to provide in regulations for the prohibition or restriction of the uses of classes of vehicles in particular places.
There are ongoing consultations between my department and An Garda Síochána about the sequencing of commencement. My Department will also consult with other stakeholders in the context of preparing regulations under the new powers. It is important that these regulations have the desired effect.
It is anticipated that all sections relating to scramblers will be commenced soon after the passage of the Bill. The manner in which An Garda Síochána informs members of the new legislation, and any guidelines which may be required for its implementation, are matters for the Commissioner of An Garda Síochána.
