asked the Minister for Local Government whether, in view of the high number of hit-and-run accidents in recent months involving personal injury and the degree of callousness revealed by this type of offence, he will introduce legislation to provide much heavier penalties, including loss of licence for life.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Hit-and-Run Accidents.
21.
The maximum penalty at present for a hit-and-run offence involving personal injury is a fine not exceeding £100 and imprisonment not exceeding six months. There are also powers to impose driving disqualification for any term, including disqualification for life, subject in certain cases to a minimum period of six months.
While proposals for legislation to amend the Road Traffic Act are under consideration, it is not envisaged that they will include a specific provision on the lines suggested by the Deputy. The present level of maximum penalties is in line with the maximum levels for other comparable offences and takes account of the maximum penalties which courts of summary jurisdiction may normally impose.