Skip to main content
Normal View

Road Traffic Offences

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 January 2017

Tuesday, 17 January 2017

Questions (1523)

Josepha Madigan

Question:

1523. Deputy Josepha Madigan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the current punishments for speeding will be increased. [41508/16]

View answer

Written answers

One of the main causes of road collisions in Ireland is excessive and inappropriate speed.  The main goal of the penalty point system is to make drivers more aware of unsafe driving behaviour such as speeding and by doing so, improve that behaviour. Following a review of the penalty point system, by my Department, the Road Traffic Act 2014 increased the level of penalty points for the most dangerous offences including for speeding.  Exceeding the speed limit now attracts three penalty points on payment of a fixed charge and five penalty points on conviction in court. There is also a fine of €80 if paid within 28 days and €120 if paid within 56 days.

Under current legislation, in addition to the imposition of a fine and the allocation of penalty points for speeding, an option exists for An Garda Síochána to prosecute an individual for dangerous driving where their speed is or is likely to be dangerous to the public.   Given the recent increase in penalty points for speeding as mentioned above I have no plans at present to change the current punishments in relation to speeding offences.  

As regards enforcement speeding laws, last week I held a Special meeting of the Ministerial Committee on road safety to ensure that all possible measures are being taken to improve safety on our roads in 2017.  I very much welcome the assurance by An Garda Síochána at that meeting that there will be an increase of 10% in the traffic corps during 2017 resulting in more check points and greater enforcement of traffic law including regarding speeding and that road safety enforcement is a priority in the Garda Policing Plan for 2017.

Top
Share