Vol. 525 No. 3
96 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if, in regard to the recommendations contained in the road safety strategy document published in August 1998, he will outline the recommendations implemented and the ones that remain to be acted on; the reason the long promised penalty point system for road offences has not been implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24749/00]
111 Mr. G. Reynolds asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the plans he has to implement a penalty points system for road safety; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24710/00]
303 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he has satisfied himself that adequate resources will be put in place to ensure that the penalty point system, in relation to motoring offences, contained in the Road Traffic Bill will be implemented. [24975/00]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 96, 111 and 303 together.
The Government strategy for road safety 1998-2002 has prioritised a systematic and co-ordinated set of measures for preventing and reducing road accidents. It establishes quantified targets for achieving its objectives, the principal of which is to reduce road deaths and serious injuries, each by at least 20%, by 2002 relative to 1997. Priority is accorded by the strategy to actions targeted at speeding, alcohol and seat belt wearing. A timetable for key actions in these and other areas is also set out.
The Government strategy is monitored by the high level group on road safety, whose first progress report, published in July 1999, and second progress report, published in August 2000, detail progress with key actions. Copies of both reports have been circulated to all Deputies and are available in the Oireachtas Library. Good progress has been made in the first two years of the strategy period in relation to its primary targets. By end 1999, road deaths had been reduced by nearly 13% relative to 1997 and serious injuries from road accidents had been reduced by over 15%.
Progress is also ahead of target in extending low cost accident measures across the national road network, with nearly 300 schemes now likely to be completed by end 2000. On the other hand, recent NRA surveys have shown that considerable improvement will be needed in order to achieve road safety targets for reduction of speeding and an increase in seat belt wearing. Garda enforcement activity has been intensified and improved in accordance with the road safety strategy. Over 175,000 on the spot fines issued in relation to speeding offences in 1999 and more than 160,000 up to mid September this year. Fixed speed cameras are in operation on four of the main national routes out of Dublin and on the M50. Speed limit enforcement is also being supported by an increase in mobile speed detection, the use of laser speed detection as well as in-car and motorcycle cameras. Nearly 70,000 on the spot fines have been issued for non-wearing of seat belts since the introduction of this measure in July 1999. Evidential breath testing is being progressively introduced in relation to drink driving enforcement.
The road safety strategy envisages a penalty points system as a key measure in support of road safety enforcement. The Government approved the drafting of legislation necessary for this measure on 26 July 2000. The design of the system has, as stated in the strategy, required careful consideration because of the exclusive constitutional role of the Irish courts in the administration of justice. The Bill will also provide for some elements of random breath testing and the further refinement of the legal framework for the detection and processing of offences. The drafting of the Bill is now proceeding as a matter of urgency with a view to its publication by the end of the year.
I thank the Minister of State for his answer, which is almost identical to the answer he gave on 29 June 2000 except for the sentence in that answer which indicated that a second progress report was to be published the following month. Was that report published and what has happened to it?
Also, in relation to the introduction of the penalty points system, the Minister of State said in June that the practical implementation of that system, apart from the legislative aspect, would require the introduction of a computerised national driving licence file. What progress has been made in establishing that file and when does he expect it to be completed?
The second progress report was published in August. I will send the Deputy a copy if he does not have one. I have stated on a number of occasions that even with the legislation in place it would not be possible to operate the penalty points system until all the holders of driving licences are on file in a computerised system. It will only work when that is in place and it is expected that that will be in place by the end of next year, as I have said on a number of occasions.
Fine Gael will support the speedy enactment of legislation on road safety. In relation to the programme for dipped lights last weekend, will the Minister of State consider introducing a regulation whereby dipped lights would be compulsory in the winter months, as is the case in many Scandinavian countries? Also, does the Minister of State have any plans to reform the driving test? There has been concern in Europe about our driving test and both these issues are key matters of road safety.
The use of headlights is something on which I hold strong views. It is to be looked at by the National Safety Council and the high level group regarding the road safety strategy and was included as an objective in the strategy.
Will the Minister of State introduce a regulation?
The National Safety Council, on a voluntary basis, asked people to do so last weekend and to create a greater awareness of and support for road safety. It tried to get across to people that everyone has ownership of the road safety campaign. Everyone is involved. It comes down to how an individual acts when in charge of a vehicle or using the roads and highways. This matter involves a great deal of personal responsibility and campaigns. Changes in road structures and the introduction of new legislation, penalties and enforcement procedures on their own will not achieve the objective to completely eliminate road deaths and serious accidents.
The results of the experiment which took place will be considered. I thought that experiment was successful because of the tremendous reaction from the public. It will be considered in the context of its being introduced on a permanent basis, but not until further examinations are carried out. Studies have been done in other countries, a number of which have already introduced the system. We will make a decision on the matter when we receive the result of further studies.
Studies are not needed, it works.
I ask Members not to intervene unless called on by the Chair.
Last year we ran the white flag campaign and I accept that it could have been better organised to make it more effective. However, there was a dramatic reduction in the number of road fatalities in November last year. I am not stating that this was a direct result of the campaign but such campaigns have an effect.
We are trying to ensure that every individual acts responsibly. We will make a special effort to minimise or eliminate the number of road deaths in the remaining two months of the year.
On 30 September 1998 the Minister for the Environment and Local Government, Deputy Dempsey, announced that he was considering the establishment of a separate traffic police force. Will the Minister of State indicate if such a force is to be set up and will it be included under the road safety legislation?
There are a number of pilot projects—
This is obviously the first the Minister of State has heard about the proposed force.
It will not be included under the road safety legislation.
Will it be established?
There are a number of pilot projects under way and the results of these will be assessed.
In what locations are those pilot projects under way?
In Leitrim, Galway, Naas, Waterford and one other location.
Those projects do not involve traffic police. The Minister is referring to community wardens who are responsible for cleaning up dog litter, etc.
I do not believe the Deputy should be denigrating the people who—
I am not.
We cannot have this kind of question and answer session.
I have already pointed out that this is a disorderly way of proceeding with Question Time.
The Deputy is denigrating the work of—
I am not.
This is a disorderly way of proceedings. I am proceeding to the next question.
The Chair is calling Question No. 97. Will the Minister proceed with his reply to that question?
Deputy Gilmore made scurrilous remarks about the employees of local authorities.
I did not.
He did, he denigrated the job that the—
Will Members please obey the Chair?
Order, please. Will the Minister deal with Question No. 97?
