Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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Question 205: To ask the Minister for Transport the reason parking fines for illegally parked vehicles have been raised from €19 to €40. [12333/06]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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Fines in the amounts of €19 and €25 are levied at present by the Garda Síochána and traffic wardens for a range of specified parking offences under the fine-on-the-spot system. This level of fine dates back to 1997 and was reviewed in the context of introducing a new fixed charge system.

From 3 April 2006 the fixed charge system, provided in the Road Traffic 2002, will replace the fine-on-the-spot system which is being abolished. The new fixed charge system will apply to the enforcement of parking offences under section 103 of the Road Traffic Act 1961 by the Garda Síochána or traffic wardens authorised by the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform and also to the enforcement of parking offences under section 3 of the Local Authorities (Traffic Wardens) Act 1975 by traffic wardens employed by local authorities.

The level of fixed charge fixed for parking offences is €40 if paid within a 28 day period or that amount plus 50% —€60 — if paid within a further 28 day period. The level of fixed charge to apply to the offence of illegal parking in a disabled persons parking bay is €80 if paid within 28 days and increasing to €120 if paid within the subsequent 28 day period.