I am informed by the Garda authorities that statistics are not compiled in such a way as to distinguish between prosecutions for speeding, and other safety related offences, in respect of heavy good vehicles and other vehicles. I am further informed by the Garda authorities that the information could only be obtained by the expenditure of a disproportionate amount of Garda time and resources which could not be justified in the circumstances.
The following table shows the number of proceedings taken for road transport offences, including vehicle testing and tachograph offences, for the years 2001 to 2003. Statistics for 2004 are not yet available.
Year
|
Number of Prosecutions taken
|
2001
|
5,439
|
2002
|
5,149
|
2003
|
2,929
|
I am further advised by the Garda authorities that the introduction of penalty points and the programme of action for the road haulage industry, introduced by the Department of Transport, has led to increased driver compliance.