Steven Matthews (Wicklow, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

72. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if his attention has been drawn to low levels of fines issued by An Garda Síochána at a local level in County Wicklow and at national level for driving infringements (details supplied), contrary to Government policy on cycling and pedestrian safety; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4550/23]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

As the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of Garda business under the Garda Síochána Act 2005, as amended, which includes the enforcement of road traffic legislation. 

I am assured that road traffic enforcement remains a core policing function of An Garda Síochána. The Garda National Roads Policing Bureau ensures a consistent approach to road safety and enforcement of road traffic legislation across the country. This is achieved through coordination of enforcement measures and development of policy, based on research and analysis of statistics and by engaging in campaigns in partnership with other State Agencies, notably the Road Safety Authority. 

Road traffic legislation is also enforced as part of the day-to-day duties of all members of An Garda Síochána, in addition to the employment of specific enforcement operations. 

Roads policing statistics are compiled by the Garda Síochána Analysis Service on a monthly basis and published on the Garda website.

The statistical tables below have been provided to me by the Garda authorities and outline detections in the Wicklow Division by members of An Garda Síochána only. I have been advised that detections by traffic wardens employed by local authorities are not included in this data.

I am further advised by Gardaí that the Fixed Charge Notices statistics provided are based on incidents which occurred from 1 January 2019 to 31 January 2023 inclusive, are based on operational data from the Garda Fixed Charge Processing System as was available on 2 February 2023 and are liable to change.

An Garda Síochána has advised that these enforcement figures cannot be taken in isolation. An Garda Siochána enforces all road traffic legislation. I am informed that Gardaí pay particular attention to the four lifesaver offences, speeding, intoxicated driving, mobile phone use while driving and non-wearing of safety belts.

Below is a yearly breakdown of the Fixed Charge Notices issued for parking on a footpath in Wicklow Division:

Below is the monthly average number of Fixed Charge Notices issued for parking on afootpath in Wicklow Division:

Below is a yearly breakdown of the Fixed Charge Notices issued for parking on a cycle lane in Wicklow Division:

Below is a yearly breakdown of the Fixed Charge Notices issued for parking offences in Wicklow Division:

Below is the monthly average number of Fixed Charge Notices issued for parking offences in Wicklow Division: