A draft bill published in Iceland proposes allowing the Icelandic Police (Lögreglan) to temporarily seize vehicles used in illegal off-road driving without the need for a court order. The government published the bill for public consultation, inviting comments until 10 November. Heimildin first reported the move, which is intended to address increasing incidents of serious damage to Iceland’s delicate landscapes.
The draft legislation would also authorise the Nature Conservation Agency of Iceland (Náttúruverndarstofnun) to carry out necessary repairs on significant environmental damage caused by off-road driving and to charge the individual responsible for the costs of those repairs. Tougher and standardised penalties for offences that result in serious environmental harm are also proposed in the bill, which amends the current Nature Conservation Act (law no. 60/2013).
Speaking about the proposal, Environment, Energy and Natural Resources Minister Jóhann Páll Jóhannsson said the new legal tools are aimed at giving authorities realistic ways to stop illegal off-road drivers and ensure they pay for any damage caused. Jóhannsson had previously called for stricter action after a series of serious and repeated off-road driving incidents involving tourists during the last summer.
The bill and its proposed changes are available for comment on the government’s consultation portal, allowing citizens and stakeholders to provide feedback before final amendments or a vote in parliament.
Background
The Icelandic Police (Lögreglan) is the national law enforcement agency. The Nature Conservation Agency of Iceland (Náttúruverndarstofnun) oversees protection and restoration of natural landscapes. The Government House (Stjórnarráðið) in Reykjavík houses the Prime Minister’s Office and is a central government building in Iceland.
Sources
Links: samráðs í gátt
- Stjórnarráð Íslands (Government of Iceland) in Icelandic
- Heimildin (first reported) in Icelandic
- RÚV in Icelandic
- Vísir in Icelandic
