HIGHER PENALTY points for speeding and for the use of a mobile phone while driving are proposed in a review to be published today by Minister for Transport Leo Varadkar.
The report carried out by his department suggests an increase from two to possibly three points for speeding and also urges a steeper penalty for seatbelt offences, The Irish Times has learned.
The review proposes a graduated range of penalty points for speeding, where higher penalty points would apply if the vehicle was travelling substantially over the speed limit.
It recommends new powers for gardaí to impound and sell uninsured cars. The review group also suggests linking the national car test (NCT) to motor tax renewal.
The report also proposes that the severity of several offences be reduced. It recommends the removal of the requirement for a compulsory court appearance for driving a vehicle without an NCT certificate and the imposition of three penalty points instead.
The same recommendation applies for the offence of parking in a dangerous position.
The Minister will consider the report’s recommendations further in consultation with the all-party Joint Oireachtas Transport Committee.
Any changes will be incorporated in the Road Traffic Bill 2012, which is scheduled for publication later this year.
Driving without a seatbelt currently brings four penalty points on conviction in court and a fine of up to €800, while driving while using a mobile phone incurs two penalty points and a fixed charge of €60; this rises to four points and a possible €2,000 fine on conviction in court for non-payment of the fixed charge.
There are plans to introduce mutual recognition of penalty points between Ireland and Northern Ireland. The report also compares Ireland’s penalty point system with 10 other jurisdictions.
It also examines whether the existing system has been effective and proportionate when it comes to improving road safety and reducing injuries and fatalities on the roads.
In total there are more than 40 penalty point offences currently in operation.
