John Dennehy (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 306: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of prosecutions taken against the drivers of heavy goods vehicles over the past three years for speeding or other safety related offences. [2924/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I am informed by the Garda authorities that statistics are not compiled in such a way as to distinguish between prosecutions for speeding, and other safety related offences, in respect of heavy good vehicles and other vehicles. I am further informed by the Garda authorities that the information could only be obtained by the expenditure of a disproportionate amount of Garda time and resources which could not be justified in the circumstances.

The following table shows the number of proceedings taken for road transport offences, including vehicle testing and tachograph offences, for the years 2001 to 2003. Statistics for 2004 are not yet available.

I am further advised by the Garda authorities that the introduction of penalty points and the programme of action for the road haulage industry, introduced by the Department of Transport, has led to increased driver compliance.

John Dennehy (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 307: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of prosecutions taken against motorists for having defective headlights over the past three years; if figures show an unfavourable trend again; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2925/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I am informed by the Garda authorities that the number of prosecutions for defective headlights over the past three years is as set out in the following table.

The declining trend in prosecutions in indicative of a greater awareness of motorists in ensuring headlights are in proper working order. This has been brought about through Garda enforcement and the introduction of the national car test.