Things are about to change for the better.
A number of changes to regulations regarding the clamping of vehicles in Ireland will come into effect from today, June 1.
According to the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Shane Ross, the Vehicle Clamping Act of 2015, which comes into effect today, will provide a more robust regulatory framework for vehicle clamping in Ireland.
More importantly, from motorists’ point of view, it will allow for, amongst other things, the establishment of statutory complaints and appeals procedures.
The main provisions provided for under the Act include the following:
- Regulation of clamping and related activities
- Establishment of a two-tier appeals process to hear appeals against clamping or relocation
- Provision of appropriate signage in places where clamping is operated
- Setting of maximum clamp release and vehicle relocation charges
- Establishment of a code of practice
- Provision of necessary enforcement and investigate powers to investigate and prosecute any alleged breaches of regulations made
While a certain number of sections of the Act come into effect from today, a number of others won’t come into effect until October 1.
In the meantime, members of the public are invited to contribute to a consultation process before regulations are drafted by the National Transport Authority (NTA) in relation to certain sections of the Act, including sections concerning signage and release charges before they come into effect in October.
Commenting on the introduction of the act earlier this week, Shane Ross said: "I am delighted to be able to commence the Vehicle Clamping Act 2015. The Act will benefit people through providing a robust regulatory framework for vehicle clamping and importantly will also allow for the establishment of statutory complaints and appeals procedures.
“I know that people have called for a statutory regulatory framework in relation to vehicle clamping for many years. The Act designates the National Transport Authority (NTA) as the statutory regulator for clamping and my commencement of the Act will now allow the NTA publish draft Regulations relating to clamping, signage and clamp release charges and invite submissions from members of the public on those draft Regulations.
“Following consideration of any submissions received, the NTA will then assume all its new responsibilities effective from the 1 October.”
You can read the Vehicle Clamping Act 2015 in full
here.
