John Dardis (Progressive Democrats)

One of the irritations that arises in respect of road traffic and policing is the lack of consistency in terms of enforcing the law. People get away with offences in certain areas which they cannot get away with in others. Reference was made previously to the position vis-a-vis the Naas dual carriageway and, in particular, the stretch thereof from Naas to Clondalkin. There is a 60 km/h speed limit operating on that route. With the exception of tractors, every other vehicle travels faster on that road than they did when the 60 mph speed limit applied. People know they can exceed the speed limit with impunity. They are also aware that if they slowed down to 36 mph, there would be utter chaos. We must ask whether local authorities are living in the real world when it comes to the speed limits being introduced.

With regard to penalty points, it was originally stated this morning that the Garda sergeant in question was asking for a change in legislation. However, he indicated at the end of the programme that he was not seeking this but rather a change in practice.