A draft bill published by the Icelandic government would grant the Icelandic Police (Lögreglan) the power to temporarily seize vehicles used in illegal off-road driving. According to Heimildin, the proposal could mean seizing vehicles even without prior judicial authorisation, though official details remain partly unclear. The government says stronger measures are needed to tackle environmental damage caused by off-road driving.
If enacted, the draft bill would also allow the Nature Conservation Agency of Iceland (Náttúruverndarstofnun) to carry out repairs on areas significantly damaged by off-road vehicles. Those responsible for the damage would be required to reimburse the costs of restoration, according to the government statement and reports by Mannlíf.
Further reforms in the draft include proposals to raise and standardise penalties for serious environmental violations to match those in related fields. The bill also seeks to clarify rules regarding infrastructure in conservation areas, taking passengers onto protected land, and the agency’s authority over marine conservation.
The government opened the bill for public consultation in the online portal Samráðsgátt, with comments accepted until 10 November. Emphasising Iceland’s unique environment, a statement from the government said, “This is about protecting Iceland” and that “illegal off-road driving is intolerable and should not be tolerated.” (quotes translated from Icelandic).
Background
Iceland is a Nordic island country in the North Atlantic Ocean situated on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. The country is governed democratically and has its capital in Reykjavík.
Sources
Links: samráðs í gátt
- Stjórnarráð Íslands (Government of Iceland) in Icelandic
- Heimildin (first reported) in Icelandic
- RÚV in Icelandic
- Vísir in Icelandic
- Mannlíf in Icelandic
- Fréttatíminn in Icelandic
- Bændablaðið in Icelandic
