OT Ireland MP wants to fine cyclists on the spot, as in other Europeancountries

he Fina Gael TD asked the minister “If he will introduce new powers to
allow An Garda Síochána [police] to fine cyclists in breach of the law
on the spot, and to collect fines on the spot, as happens in other
European countries, where the police have the power to escort offenders
to the nearest automated teller machines if the offenders do not have
the funds on them.” -

In July this year, Fina Fail politician Mr Donohoe brought in
legislation that provided for €40 fixed charged notices to be issued for
the following offences:

Cyclist driving a pedal cycle without reasonable consideration

No front lamp or rear lamp lit during lighting-up hours on a pedal
cycle

Cyclist proceeding into a pedestrianised street or area

Cyclist proceeding past traffic lights when the red lamp is illuminated

Cyclist proceeding past cycle traffic lights when red lamp is lit.


Cyclist failing to stop for a School Warden sign

Cyclist proceeding beyond a stop line, barrier or half barrier at a
railway level crossing, swing bridge or lifting bridge, when the red
lamps are flashing.

The fixed charged notices are sent by post to the addresses that
offenders give to gardaí.

Rejecting Mr Murrphy's appeal, Mr Donohoe said: “I do not intend to
introduce new powers to allow gardaí to collect cycling fines on the spot.

“Under our Constitution, all citizens are entitled to their day in court
when accused of committing a crime.

“A cyclist intercepted while committing a fixed- charge offence, has the
option of paying the fixed charge amount within the prescribed
timeframes or having their case heard in a court of law.

“If a fixed charge notice is not paid within 56 days, a summons to
appear in court will issue,” the minister added.

http://road.cc/content/news/172443-l...ish-politician

And , what's wrong with our laws? Do you want the Police to start
carrying cash or POS Machines?
I would prefer the Police to enforce existing laws more vigorously
without bias!

Fixed Penalty Notices

What is a Fixed Penalty Notice?
If you have committed a minor traffic offence, like cycling on the
pavement or failing to stop at a red light (i.e. contravening a traffic
signal), the police have the power to issue you with a one-off fine
called a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN).

A FPN offers you the opportunity to discharge any liability to
conviction by payment of a fixed sum of money. In other words, if you
pay the fine you will not be prosecuted. As there is no prosecution or
conviction, you will not get a criminal record. Some forces offer
training courses in place of a fine. If you take the course the fine
will be cancelled. Some forces will cancel fines that have been issued
for failing to have adequate lighting if you present a receipt for a set
of lights at a police station.

If you are issued with a FPN it should clarify which offence you are
accused of having committed and in what manner.

Amount of the FPN
The fixed penalty for minor cycling related traffic offences will not
normally exceed £50.

Until 2013, the FPN for cycling offences was £30 but was raised to £50
(link is external) in line with a general increase in the value of all FPNs.

Failure to Pay
A failure to pay a FPN may lead to a higher fine or prosecution for the
underlying offence.

Contesting the FPN
If you feel that a penalty notice is unjust you can choose not to pay
the fine and contest your case in court. If you go down this route, you
must request a hearing within the time frame given on the FPN. Generally
you will have 28 days to give notification that you are contesting the
penalty. However, you may face a significantly higher penalty if you are
found guilty of the offence.

You should contact your local police force to find out who you should
notify that you want to contest the FPN. This is normally a central
ticket office or traffic processing office.

Payment of the FPN
The Police do not have the power to make you pay the fine on the spot
but you must pay it within the time frame given on the FPN. Generally,
recipients have 28 days to settle the penalty.

The FPN should also give you details of the person to whom payment may
be made.

If you would like further information about contesting a FPN, please
take a look at the CDF Guide to Challenging a Fixed Penalty Notice or
contact us for assistance.


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On 03/12/2015 15:05, colwyn - me wrote:
And , what's wrong with our laws? Do you want the Police to start
carrying cash or POS Machines?
I would prefer the Police to enforce existing laws more vigorously
without bias!

Fixed Penalty Notices

What is a Fixed Penalty Notice?
If you have committed a minor traffic offence, like cycling on the
pavement or failing to stop at a red light (i.e. contravening a traffic
signal), the police have the power to issue you with a one-off fine
called a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN).

A FPN offers you the opportunity to discharge any liability to
conviction by payment of a fixed sum of money. In other words, if you
pay the fine you will not be prosecuted. As there is no prosecution or
conviction, you will not get a criminal record. Some forces offer
training courses in place of a fine. If you take the course the fine
will be cancelled. Some forces will cancel fines that have been issued
for failing to have adequate lighting if you present a receipt for a set
of lights at a police station.

If you are issued with a FPN it should clarify which offence you are
accused of having committed and in what manner.

Amount of the FPN
The fixed penalty for minor cycling related traffic offences will not
normally exceed £50.

Until 2013, the FPN for cycling offences was £30 but was raised to £50
(link is external) in line with a general increase in the value of all
FPNs.

Failure to Pay
A failure to pay a FPN may lead to a higher fine or prosecution for the
underlying offence.

Contesting the FPN
If you feel that a penalty notice is unjust you can choose not to pay
the fine and contest your case in court. If you go down this route, you
must request a hearing within the time frame given on the FPN. Generally
you will have 28 days to give notification that you are contesting the
penalty. However, you may face a significantly higher penalty if you are
found guilty of the offence.

You should contact your local police force to find out who you should
notify that you want to contest the FPN. This is normally a central
ticket office or traffic processing office.

Payment of the FPN
The Police do not have the power to make you pay the fine on the spot
but you must pay it within the time frame given on the FPN. Generally,
recipients have 28 days to settle the penalty.

The FPN should also give you details of the person to whom payment may
be made.

If you would like further information about contesting a FPN, please
take a look at the CDF Guide to Challenging a Fixed Penalty Notice or
contact us for assistance.


0

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