Road traffic evidence portal
Deputy Ó Cathasaigh seeks an online portal for the public to upload evidence of road traffic offences and wants it to cover unsafe parking. The Taoiseach says it likely needs legislative underpinning and he will follow it up with the relevant bodies.
We would accept one in a row in Waterford if we could get it, never mind five.
I was very encouraged to hear Paula Hilman, the assistant commissioner for roads policing with the Garda traffic bureau, tell the justice committee yesterday that she and her colleagues are fully supportive of introducing an online portal for members of the public to upload evidence of road traffic infringements such as illegal parking on footpaths and in cycle lanes, bus lanes and so forth, with the intention that the portal will go live in 2024. In my mind it is essential that this should include the capacity to record close passes. As anyone who cycles regularly will tell us, this is a frightening and off-putting experience that is all too common on our roads and deters many people from getting onto their bikes. The portal works elsewhere and I am convinced it can work here as well. What legislative underpinning will be required to make this happen? Will it be included in the Garda Síochána (Recording Devices) Bill and, if so, when are we likely to see that Bill back on Second Stage?
Comment on this
I take on board what the Deputy says in respect of the comments that have been made. This would require legislative underpinning, it would seem to me, but I will certainly follow that up with the Minister and all stakeholders. I imagine the National Transport Authority and the Road Safety Authority would be involved as well.