Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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4. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the effectiveness of the penalty points system in saving lives on our roads. [21647/14]

Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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This question relates to the effectiveness of the penalty points system in saving lives. Has an evidence-based audit been carried out in respect of the system? Many citizens are concerned that the penalty points system no longer relates to road safety and that it is being used as a way of raising revenue. They are of the view that they have been hammered as a result of the introduction of various charges and that their pockets are again being picked because they are being obliged to pay €80 fines on a regular basis in respect of incidents which would not really be that serious in the context of public safety. Has an audit such as that to which I refer been carried out?

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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The fixed charge notice-penalty points system has been a very effective part of the suite of measures to address road safety since it was established in 2002.  The introduction of the system, random breath-testing for alcohol, lower permissible alcohol limits and safety cameras, the establishment of the Road Safety Authority and the Garda Traffic Corps and the enactment of targeted legislation have led to positive changes in driver behaviour and contributed to the reduction in the number of fatalities and serious injuries on our roads in recent years. The system is also widely accepted by the general public, as evidenced by the fact that over 70% of those served with a fixed charge notice pay the stipulated fine without recourse to the courts. From 411 deaths on our roads in 2001, there was a dramatic reduction to 190 in 2013. As of 12 May last, 67 people had lost their lives on Irish roads this year. That is the same number which obtained as of the same date last year. We are determined to maintain focus on reducing the number further. As of today and although it is not of any statistical significance, there has been one less death on the roads this year.

The main goal of the penalty point system is not to penalise people but to make them more aware of unsafe driving behaviour, to improve driver behaviour and to reduce the number of deaths and injuries on Irish roads. A comprehensive review of the system took place in 2012. Recommendations made in the review, namely, the introduction of new penalty point offences and changes to the number of penalty points to be applied in respect of certain offences, were reflected in the new Road Traffic Act 2014, which was signed into law on 25 February last. I will continue to monitor the operation of the system to ensure that it contributes in the most effective way possible to the enhancement of safety on our roads.

Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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The Minister argues that the system has proven to be very effective. He indicated that to date this year, some 67 people have lost their lives, which is horrific. We must ensure that all relevant safety measures, including improving our roads and erecting proper speed limit signs in very dangerous locations, are put in place. I have been approached by citizens who informed me that they have encountered either GoSafe or Garda vans on empty straight roads. Basically, those in the vans who are shooting fish in a barrel and their actions lead to every person detected speeding being obliged to pay €80 per head. In one recent incident of which I was made aware, a family with a very disabled child driving down Griffith Avenue were caught doing 60 km/h in a 50 km/h zone. The road was completely devoid of other traffic but there was still a van there to monitor people's speed. On another occasion, people who exited Parnell Park after a St. Vincent's GAA match came across gardaí nicking people for speeding on the Malahide Road.

Does that to which I refer really constitute good and effective policing? Is it what we want in terms of ensuring road safety? The Minister must listen to the view of the people and I am aware of some individuals who believe the penalty points system to be just another revenue-raising mechanism? We all want to improve road safety and I have no difficulty which GoSafe and Garda vans monitoring people's speed on very dangerous routes. I welcome that the Minister is going to monitor what is happening. I hope that will lead to his spotting the fact that there is a little scam going on.

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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The matters to which the Deputy refers are ones for the Garda. Clearly, however, I pay attention to such matters in the context of how they relate to road safety. I do not believe that what the Deputy says reflects the actual position. Similar remarks are also often made in respect of safety cameras and GoSafe vans.

People often tell me they are just a revenue-raising measure and are just shooting fish in a barrel. However, when one actually looks at the facts, one realises that, in almost all cases, the cameras are located where there have been accidents or incidents. The amount of money that is generated by them is less than the cost of running them. Therefore, the allegation just does not add up. The best way to avoid getting a fine is to obey the road traffic laws and comply with the Road Traffic Act.

Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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The problem concerns many of the areas I am talking about, the soft targets. The Minister referred to obeying the rules of the road but in some places there is no sign warning motorists that the speed limit is 50 km/h. Motorists who are dawdling along, perhaps at 58 km/h or 60 km/h in a 50 km/h zone, are caught all of a sudden by a van and are awarded two penalty points and a fine of €80 euro. These are the cases I am talking about. Of course, we all want safe and effective measures at very dangerous bends and on rural roads. However, Griffith Avenue is deserted at 8 p.m. To nab a disabled motorist who is minding his own business and driving at 60 km/h in a 50 km/h zone with no signs is unacceptable. I have asked the council and the Garda about this issue. The Minister can say all he wants and talk about effectiveness but the bottom line is that he is hitting soft targets. I refer to the people who are being hammered regularly. They are innocent, pay their taxes and are law abiding. They are being hammered regularly and now the Minister is going after them again.

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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The many people who are members of vulnerable and disadvantaged groups, be they disabled or members of an ethnic or other minority, would all agree they must comply with the Road Traffic Act like everyone else and with the rules of the road.

Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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They need to hold on to their cars. They do not want to end up with 12 penalty points.

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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I am sure that even the representative organisations of the disabled and other groups would not advocate that they should have some sort of exemption from the road traffic legislation or be treated differently. If somebody feels he has been treated unfairly over penalty points, he has available to him, at long last, a clear set of rules on requesting a termination from the Garda. He also has the option of going to the District Court to make his case.