Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour) | Oireachtas source

This year marks the tenth anniversary of the introduction of a system of penalty point offences in this country.  Earlier this year, the Department undertook a review of the system to determine whether any changes would be appropriate.  The finalised review was forwarded to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications for its consideration.

Several adjustments to the current system were recommended. These include an increase in the number of penalty points for speeding, holding a mobile telephone phone while driving and seat belt offences from two, or four on conviction, to three and five, respectively.  The review also included proposals to bring additional road traffic offences into the penalty points system.  For some offences, such as using a vehicle without a test certificate, penalty points will apply rather than a direct summons to court.  

The Minister accepted the recommended adjustments and primary legislation is now required to give them effect. It is intended, therefore, to introduce a road traffic Bill in the Oireachtas early in 2013, which will make the necessary provisions, with the intention being to publish the Bill in the new year.  In the meantime, the general scheme can be viewed on the Department's website.

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