Written answers

Wednesday, 10 July 2013

Department of Justice and Equality

Anti-Social Behaviour

Photo of Martin HeydonMartin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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205. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to tackle the issue of boy racers and modified cars which are causing difficulties for residents in certain areas (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33635/13]

Photo of Alan ShatterAlan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I can assure the Deputy that I share the concern about incidents of anti-social driving behaviour and the impact it has on local communities. Effective roads policing is central to the Garda Policing Plan 2013 and road traffic enforcement is high throughout the country.

Garda enforcement activities are focused on the main causes of deaths and serious injuries on our roads and An Garda Síochána conducts specific operations to improve the compliance culture particularly among young male drivers. The Garda authorities work with the Road Safety Authority and other road safety stakeholders to promote road safety among target groups and conduct Garda Road Safety Awareness Programmes in schools and third level institutions.

I am advised that Garda authorities conduct ongoing strategic local enforcement operations targeting anti-social driving. These enforcement operations are intelligence-led, targeting areas in particular where young male drivers congregate. Regular Garda mobile patrols and checkpoints are also conducted in these areas and websites are monitored to assist in establishing where events are taking place and to implement the necessary operational Garda response. Such operations have resulted in a significant number of young drivers being prosecuted or for driving without a learner permit, driving unaccompanied while on a learner permit and driving a vehicle with prohibited modifications. Where breaches of road traffic legislation are detected, the Garda authorities make full use of the fixed charge notice, penalty point system, court prosecutions and Juvenile Diversion Programme where appropriate.

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