Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I listened with interest to Senator Quinn, but I cannot agree with his view on U-turns. I think they are very dangerous and two penalty points is an appropriate amount for a U-turn. I agree with him that common sense is required in many of these instances. Being able to turn left on a red light, as occurs in the US and in many other countries, seems sensible enough. Putting the onus on cyclists who run red lights will leave them and motorists at risk. I can see some benefit in allowing people to turn left at junctions when there is no traffic coming, but the Road Safety Authority and everybody else would be down our throats if we changed the laws on penalty points for U-turns and the other instances mentioned by the Senator. Common sense is what is required in many cases, but I cannot support the amendment as tabled by Senator Quinn.