Tomorrow sees the long-awaited introduction of the penalty points system. After several false starts the first element in the new system comes into operation with drivers receiving penalty points for speeding offences. Under the penalty points system drivers accumulating 12 points will be automatically disqualified for six months.By Michael McAleer
The system is being introduced on a phased basis and initially drivers caught speeding will get two points on their licences or four points if they choose to contest the violation in court and lose. Failure to wear seat belts is likely to be the next target for points penalties in the new year.
The system, which was originally given Cabinet approval back in July 1998 and the Road Traffic Bill, which provided for the introduction of penalty points, was produced last November. Almost a year later the system is being phased in, initially without a new computer system in place. This will not be ready for roll-out until the end of next year.
Drivers can expect little lenience from Gardaí during the introduction of the new system, as it is the punishment and not the rules that are being changed.
When the system is fully introduced, typical penalty points for offences will be:
SPEEDING: two points at the roadside or four points after a conviction
LICENCE - driving without a licence: two points at the roadside, rising to five for a conviction
SEATBELTS - not wearing a seatbelt and not wearing a crash-helmet on a motorcycle: both incur an initial two points, rising to four on a court conviction.
A driver stopped by the gardaí will have the option of paying an on-the-spot fine, thus incurring a lower number of points, or going to court and risking a higher number of points if convicted.
Points will stay on the driver's record for three years, after which they will be removed, provided they have not reached the all important number of 12.
With 345,652 on-the-spot speeding penalties issued last year, an increase of 54 per cent on 2000, it will not be long before the first motorist records a points penalty.