Written answers
Wednesday, 22 March 2017
Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport
Road Safety Authority Reports
Tommy Broughan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
34. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will report on the Road Safety Authority, RSA, survey which showed that 7,651 drivers have multiple concurrent disqualifications on their licences and are continuing to flout the law by driving; the follow-up taking place to ensure that these drivers are taken off the roads, in view of the fact that broader figures estimate that up to 24,000 drivers fail to hand up their licences on disqualification in court; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14000/17]
Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
The Deputy may wish to note that I responded in relation to this RSA survey on 24 January this year, in Question No. 607 of that day.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for legislation in this area. The prevention/detection of driving while disqualified is a matter for An Garda Síochána, and falls within the remit of the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality.
The legislation is clear on the question of disqualification. It is an offence to drive while disqualified. When a person is disqualified, the notice of disqualification directs them to surrender their licence to the National Driver Licensing Service (NDLS) within 14 days. The disqualification period runs irrespective of licence surrender.
Copies of the notice to disqualified drivers are provided electronically to An Garda Síochána and the NDLS. Instances where the licence has not been surrendered are flagged on the relevant records on the National Vehicle Driver File, which is also provided to An Garda Síochána.
Surrender of the licence is not in any case the key issue. People who surrender their licences might continue to drive while disqualified, and people who do not surrender their licences may not necessarily drive.
An Garda Síochána can demand production of a driving licence and may seize a licence where they have reasonable grounds for believing that the individual has been disqualified. They may also arrest people who are driving while disqualified.
I have indicated that I intend to legislate so that the RSA can publish lists of people disqualified from driving. This 'naming and shaming' will make it more difficult for people to drive while disqualified. The new measure will be part of the forthcoming RSA Amendment Bill.
No comments