Eamon Scanlon (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fianna Fail)
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Question 465: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if persons who have been before the courts for anti-social driving behaviour should have restrictions placed on them to curtail the level of cruising that is currently taking place where a number of cars are doing laps within, and around, towns, which are often timed and involve cars passing a given point up to a dozen times in less than two hours, with the associated pollution and danger to other road users; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8753/08]

Eamon Scanlon (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fianna Fail)
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Question 466: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the powers currently held by Gardaí to deal with boy racers and cars terrorising communities with noise pollution due to exhausts that do not comply with National Car Test requirements; if he will make a statement on the strength of support in these instances; and the measures intended to address this epidemic. [8754/08]

Eamon Scanlon (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fianna Fail)
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Question 467: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he agrees with senior Gardaí that they do not have sufficient powers to address the scourge of youths who are driving noisy cars in anti-social manners at all hours of the day and night in many towns and villages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8755/08]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 465 to 467, inclusive, together.

One of the strategic goals set out in the Garda Síochána Corporate Strategy 2007-2009 is to significantly reduce the incidence of fatal and serious injuries and improve road safety. One of the actions identified in the Garda Policing Plan 2008 in support of this goal is targeted intelligence-led operations against offending young drivers.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that a number of initiatives to target the activities of young male drivers are being undertaken. Specific areas identified as places where young drivers congregate are targeted. As a result, uniform members of An Garda Síochána, supported by Divisional Traffic Corps personnel, establish checkpoints and enforce in a highly visible manner the provisions of the Road Traffic Acts.

These initiatives have resulted in detections being made for a wide range of road traffic offences, including offences relating to dangerous driving, careless driving, no silencer fitted, L plates not displayed, identification plates not conforming with legislation, road tax offences, insurance and driving licence offences, speeding offences, dangerously defective vehicles and modified vehicles. Offences detected are dealt with by way of prosecution, fixed charge notice or, where appropriate, through the Juvenile Diversion Programme. In 2006 and 2007 over 100 offenders were charged before the local district courts.

In addition to these intelligence-led operations, all uniform members of An Garda Síochána are tasked with enforcing the relevant legislative provisions. Regular mobile patrols take place and roving checkpoints are conducted in areas where young drivers tend to congregate.

In addition websites are monitored so as to establish where such anti-social activities are taking place with a view to providing an appropriate response. Garda road safety awareness programmes are conducted in schools, third level colleges, factories, workplaces and other facilities, with the aim of educating road users of the obligations on all road users under the Road Traffic Acts and to promote road safety among the target group.

The Road Traffic (Construction, Equipment and Use of Vehicles) Regulations 1963 set out the legislative basis for prosecution due to excessive noise levels of vehicles. Current permissible sound levels are set by EU Directive.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that they are currently reviewing the suitability of various sound meters which will meet the specifications for sound measuring devices set out in Directive 92/97/EEC with a view to improving the collection of the technical evidence necessary for the prosecution of drivers whose vehicles produce excessive levels of noise.

Any changes to road traffic legislation, including the introduction of new penalties, is a matter for my colleague the Minister for Transport.