85 fines — 85 fines — A bill proposing an €85 fine for a total of 22 unusual offences was submitted to parliament on Thursday, the legislature announced on Friday. This initiative is part of a broader effort to streamline enforcement and ensure public compliance with existing laws.
Drafted by the justice ministry, this legislation follows a recommendation from the union of municipalities and received the backing of the interior ministry. The Council of Ministers approved the bill on October 29 before it was forwarded to parliament for further deliberation.
The proposed fines aim to amend the out-of-court settlement of offences law, aligning it with both the 2022 municipalities law and the 2002 dogs law. This alignment is crucial for ensuring that all relevant frameworks are consistent with current legislation.
5 fines: An Array of Offences Covered
The €85 fine encompasses a range of offences, particularly those related to dogs and animals, as well as issues concerning road and public space obstructions, public safety, cleanliness violations, and behavioural and traffic infractions.
Animal-Related Offences
- Keeping a dog without a permit or registration.
- Violating provisions of the dogs law.
- Walking a dog in areas where it is prohibited.
- Causing a public disturbance through loud or persistent barking.
- Allowing an animal to roam free and unattended.
Obstructions to Roads and Public Spaces
Specific offences that fall under this category include:
- Intentionally blocking roads with vehicles, animals, or objects.
- Obstructing streets with retractable shutters.
- Using ropes, clotheslines, or similar items that hinder pedestrian passage.
- Placing goods or merchandise for sale in a manner that impedes pedestrians.
Public Safety and Cleanliness Violations
In an effort to maintain public safety and cleanliness, the proposed bill addresses:
- Deliberately damaging roads.
- Leaving or discarding building materials in public areas.
- Allowing objects to fall into underground pipelines.
- Throwing items over pavements in a manner that obstructs passage.
- Creating dangerous road pits or sewers without appropriate safety measures.
Behavioural and Traffic Offences
The bill also targets behavioural and traffic offences, including:
- Soliciting customers or harassing passers-by for immoral purposes.
- Driving or riding horses at excessive or dangerous speeds.
- Shaking or dusting carpets over roads.
- Allowing water to leak into streets or ditches.
This comprehensive approach reflects an intention to address various public concerns while ensuring that local laws are updated to reflect current societal norms and safety standards. By implementing these fines, authorities hope to foster a more orderly and respectful community environment.
