New measures to tackle cross border toll and parking ticket evaders
New measures have just been announced that will help to tackle cross border drivers who attempt to evade tolls and parking tickets, according to Donegal North East Fianna Fail TD Niall Blaney. 03/03/10“The Minister for Transport, Noel Dempsey TD has worked with his colleagues in Northern Ireland to establish a data exchange project that will allow authorities on both sides of the border to pursue motorists who cross the border without paying tolls and parking fines.”
“This is a pilot project and will begin today and run until the end of November this year.”
“Data on vehicle ownership will be exchanged using the highest level of security and will be monitored in each jurisdiction through an agreed audit regime.”
“This is an important step in road safety and traffic enforcement.”
“The Department of Transport already works closely with the Driver and Vehicle Agency in Northern Ireland on the issue of motor tax and abandoned vehicles.”
“Anyone who evades a toll or parking fine in Northern Ireland will now have 28 days to pay after which the details will be passed to the Northern Ireland Department of the Environment who will pursue the motorist.”
“Offending motorists were always obliged to pay the fines, the difference is that now the offenders can be pursued. Refusal to pay the fine may result in Court action.”
“It is important that enforcement of fines happens on both sides of the border. Living in a different jurisdiction is no excuse for failing to pay. It is unfair to those law abiding drivers that others evade payment. I am pleased to see the relevant agencies on both sides of the border working so closely together to address this issue,” concluded Niall Blaney TD.
