Jim Higgins (Fine Gael)

I travel extensively in the Border counties in the European constituency of Ireland North West, through Donegal, Leitrim, Cavan and Monaghan. I am constantly amazed at the manner in which drivers of Northern-registered cars deliberately flout the speed limits in the Republic.

Apart from showing a disregard and contempt for speed limits, one regularly encounters convoys of Northern-registered cars overtaking on double white lines. Members of the Garda Síochána in some Border counties have pointed out to me that some drivers from Northern Ireland seem to treat the Republic's roads as playgrounds. If these drivers are caught on a speed camera, the Garda cannot enforce the law once they abscond across the Border to the North. There is the additional difficulty that the penalty points which accompany speeding fines in the Republic cannot be imposed on Northern drivers. Apart from road safety considerations, there is frustration in the Garda that its campaigns to reduce road traffic fatalities have been hamstrung by its inability to enforce financial penalties and penalty points on Northern-registered drivers.

While the problem manifests itself most acutely in Border counties at weekends, it is also evident in other areas, particularly during holiday times. I do not contend that Southern drivers necessarily behave in an exemplary and law-abiding manner when driving in Northern Ireland. I am sure some do not abide by the Northern speed limits and that the PSNI must endure the same frustration as the Garda in attempting to enforce penalties for breaches of road traffic regulations and legislation.

In this context, a reciprocal arrangement should be put in place between the Garda Síochána and the PSNI so that each is empowered to collect fines for road traffic breaches in the other's jurisdiction. I understand this would be a reasonably simple procedure which can be put in place without undue administrative hassle. The welcome and unprecedented level of co-operation between the two police forces in recent times is encouraging in this regard. The ultimate aim is to ensure fewer accidents, injuries and deaths on our roads.