Breeda Moynihan-Cronin
Question:332 Mrs. B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Transport when the proposed penalty points system for motorists will be introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18998/02]
Written Answers. - Penalty Points System.
The Government road safety strategy, 1998 to 2002, provided for the implementation of a penalty points system in support of road safety enforcement. The legislation necessary for this measure was passed by the Oireachtas in March 2002. Penalty points will be applied in respect of a wide range of road traffic offences, the commission of which have a negative impact on road safety. These include excessive speeding, red light running, poor lane discipline, non-compliance with stop and yield signs and a number of offences relating to vehicle safety. Excessive speed is recognised as the most significant contribution to road accident causation and has already been the subject of significant investment in enforcement measures by the Garda.
The importance of achieving safer speeds is recognised as a key priority of the current road safety strategy. Therefore, I am giving high priority to the introduction of the penalty points system on a phased basis, commencing with its application to speeding offences to take effect from 31 October. The penalty points system will be operated through the National Driver File. A project team involving the Department of the Environment and Local Government, the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, the Garda and the Courts Service developed a business specification for a penalty points functionality to be added on to the NDF. The software application of the NDF has been changed to accommodate a penalty points system. Before the system becomes fully operational, the NDF must be supported by the IT systems of the courts and the Garda. The development of these IT systems is a matter for the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform. I understand from the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform that work on the necessary Garda IT systems to support full implementation of penalty points is under way and is planned to be completed by the end of 2003.