Menu
25/08/2003
Irish government poised to reduce speed limits
The Irish Government, which has extended the penalty points system to include infringements of seatbelt laws from today, is also to consider overhauling speed limits.
In an interview for today’s Irish Independent, Minister for Transport Seamus Brennan said that he was in favour of changes to speed limits proposed by a recent government review group.
It is understood that under the proposals speed limits of 50 mph could be imposed on single-carriageway roads by June 2004.
On Friday, Minister Brennan announced the extension of the 10-month-old penalty points system to include seat belt offences from today.
The minister warned: “I am extending the penalty points system to seat belt offences, with effect from Monday, 25th August, 2003, and would particularly point out to motorists, if you do not use a seat belt or allow children under 17 years of age to be carried in your car without being restrained, you are liable to penalty points”.
Under the new law a driver convicted in court of a seatbelt offence will receive four penalty points, endorsed on their driving licence record, and they will be liable to a maximum fine of 800 euro for a first offence. Second offences will cost the Republic’s motorists 1,500 euro.
However, a driver who is detected committing a seat belt offence will have the option to pay a fixed charge of 60 euro within 28 days, rising to 90 euro if paid within 56 days, and incur two penalty points.
The minister said: “This extension of the penalty points system is being introduced at this very appropriate time with children returning to school after the summer holidays and in many cases being driven to school in their parents vehicles”.
However, while welcoming the extension of the penalty points system, the Irish Labour Party’s spokesperson on justice, Joe Costello criticised the failure of the government to establish a dedicated Traffic Corps to help enforce road traffic legislation.
He called on the Minister for Justice to state whether on not this commitment had now been abandoned by the government.
“The extension of the penalty points system to new offences from today is generally welcome, but this is going to place additional policing and administrative obligations on a force that is already over-stretched in many areas. Yet the administration of the penalty points system is something that could quite adequately be done by a Traffic Corps, thus freeing Gardai up for other policing duties,” said Mr Costello.
(SP)
In an interview for today’s Irish Independent, Minister for Transport Seamus Brennan said that he was in favour of changes to speed limits proposed by a recent government review group.
It is understood that under the proposals speed limits of 50 mph could be imposed on single-carriageway roads by June 2004.
On Friday, Minister Brennan announced the extension of the 10-month-old penalty points system to include seat belt offences from today.
The minister warned: “I am extending the penalty points system to seat belt offences, with effect from Monday, 25th August, 2003, and would particularly point out to motorists, if you do not use a seat belt or allow children under 17 years of age to be carried in your car without being restrained, you are liable to penalty points”.
Under the new law a driver convicted in court of a seatbelt offence will receive four penalty points, endorsed on their driving licence record, and they will be liable to a maximum fine of 800 euro for a first offence. Second offences will cost the Republic’s motorists 1,500 euro.
However, a driver who is detected committing a seat belt offence will have the option to pay a fixed charge of 60 euro within 28 days, rising to 90 euro if paid within 56 days, and incur two penalty points.
The minister said: “This extension of the penalty points system is being introduced at this very appropriate time with children returning to school after the summer holidays and in many cases being driven to school in their parents vehicles”.
However, while welcoming the extension of the penalty points system, the Irish Labour Party’s spokesperson on justice, Joe Costello criticised the failure of the government to establish a dedicated Traffic Corps to help enforce road traffic legislation.
He called on the Minister for Justice to state whether on not this commitment had now been abandoned by the government.
“The extension of the penalty points system to new offences from today is generally welcome, but this is going to place additional policing and administrative obligations on a force that is already over-stretched in many areas. Yet the administration of the penalty points system is something that could quite adequately be done by a Traffic Corps, thus freeing Gardai up for other policing duties,” said Mr Costello.
(SP)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
09 March 2020
Tougher Penalties For Drivers Caught Using A Phone
Tougher punishments for drivers caught using a handheld mobile phone at the wheel of a car are to be introduced, the Infrastructure Minister has announced. Nichola Mallon intends to legislate for fines of £200, over three times the current charge, in line with those enforced in the rest of the UK, as well as six penalty points for the offence.
Tougher Penalties For Drivers Caught Using A Phone
Tougher punishments for drivers caught using a handheld mobile phone at the wheel of a car are to be introduced, the Infrastructure Minister has announced. Nichola Mallon intends to legislate for fines of £200, over three times the current charge, in line with those enforced in the rest of the UK, as well as six penalty points for the offence.
06 March 2018
Consultation Launches Aimed At Drivers Illegally Using Mobile Phones
A public consultation has launched to crack down on drivers illegally using mobile phones. It is already an offence to drive a vehicle while 'using' a hand-held mobile phone or similar device and is currently punishable by a fixed penalty of £60 and three penalty points. However, illegal use of mobile phones by drivers is an increasing problem.
Consultation Launches Aimed At Drivers Illegally Using Mobile Phones
A public consultation has launched to crack down on drivers illegally using mobile phones. It is already an offence to drive a vehicle while 'using' a hand-held mobile phone or similar device and is currently punishable by a fixed penalty of £60 and three penalty points. However, illegal use of mobile phones by drivers is an increasing problem.
24 February 2014
Cross Border Penalty Points Plan Put On Hold
A proposed cross-Border penalty points system has been put on hold over a number of legal complexities. Alex Attwood, the former Minister of the Environment, and the south's Minister of Transport Leo Varadkar had previously agreed a plan which would see penalty points issued to drivers recognised both north and south of the Border.
Cross Border Penalty Points Plan Put On Hold
A proposed cross-Border penalty points system has been put on hold over a number of legal complexities. Alex Attwood, the former Minister of the Environment, and the south's Minister of Transport Leo Varadkar had previously agreed a plan which would see penalty points issued to drivers recognised both north and south of the Border.
18 July 2008
'Specs' Camera Catches Just One Driver
Figures released today reveal that just one motorist has been caught speeding by a speed camera on the A2 road. Thirty-two Speed Enforcement Camera System (SPECS) cameras operate on the main A2 road in north Down since being switched on in May. The 'Specs' cameras monitor traffic flowing in both directions of the A2, between Bangor and Hollywood.
'Specs' Camera Catches Just One Driver
Figures released today reveal that just one motorist has been caught speeding by a speed camera on the A2 road. Thirty-two Speed Enforcement Camera System (SPECS) cameras operate on the main A2 road in north Down since being switched on in May. The 'Specs' cameras monitor traffic flowing in both directions of the A2, between Bangor and Hollywood.
30 May 2012
On-The-Spot Fines Introduced To Speed Up The Justice System
New on-the-spot fines could speed the justice system up and send 1,500 less people to court each year, David Ford has said. The Justice Minister was joined in Belfast by the PSNI's Assistant Chief Constable George Hamilton, to announce a scheme that allows police officers to slap fixed penalties on people caught drinking in public places.
On-The-Spot Fines Introduced To Speed Up The Justice System
New on-the-spot fines could speed the justice system up and send 1,500 less people to court each year, David Ford has said. The Justice Minister was joined in Belfast by the PSNI's Assistant Chief Constable George Hamilton, to announce a scheme that allows police officers to slap fixed penalties on people caught drinking in public places.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
