28/10/2009

Loophole For Banned Drivers Closed

A deal to keep disqualified drivers off UK and Irish roads will come into force in February, it has been announced today.

Irish drivers disqualified while in the UK will no longer be able to escape their offences when they return to the Irish Republic.

UK drivers disqualified for an offence in the Republic will also have to face their punishment when they return home.

The measures are the result of a deal agreed between the British, Irish and Northern Ireland Ministers.

Announcing the new agreement today, British Road Safety Minister Paul Clark said: "These measures will keep dangerous drivers off our roads by ensuring that disqualified drivers are not able to escape their punishment."

The United Kingdom has made a formal declaration to the EU Council to enable the mutual recognition of driving disqualifications with Ireland from February 2010.

"The EU is to confirm the exact date of implementation, which is expected sometime in February.

The convention makes provisions for six agreed kinds of conduct which will be internationally recognised for the purposes of driving disqualification across all Member States in the EU, including reckless or dangerous driving, hit-and-run, driving whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs, speeding, and driving whilst disqualified.

Mutual recognition of driving disqualification came into effect between Britain and Northern Ireland on October 2004 and was extended to include the Isle of Man on May 2005.

(DW/BMcC)

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