Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 12 November 2008
100 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Minister for Transport if he will limit inexperienced drivers to smaller engine cars as recommended by the Road Safety Authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39897/08]
Amharc ar fhreagra107 Deputy Seán Barrett asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding the proposed graduated driving licence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39892/08]
Amharc ar fhreagra124 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Transport when he plans to introduce legislation to facilitate the full operation of the graduated driver licensing scheme; the measures this legislation will contain; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39846/08]
Amharc ar fhreagra144 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Transport the proposed restrictions he will impose on motorists driving for the first two years after passing the driving test as recommended by the Road Safety Authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39894/08]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 100, 107, 124 and 144 together.
The Road Safety Strategy 2007-2012 outlines a range of measures to be considered in relation to a Graduated Driver Licensing System for application to learner drivers and in the first two years after acquiring a full driving licence. The driver licensing regulations, which were made in October 2007, providing for the introduction of a learner permit to replace the provisional licence and some other measures were the first step in the introduction of a Graduated Driver Licensing System.
The other measures outlined in the Strategy for consideration, such as applying a restricted engine capacity to car learner permit holders and in the first two years after acquiring a full driving licence, would require the enactment of either primary legislation, secondary legislation or a combination of both primary and secondary legislation. A progressive roll-out of appropriate measures is envisaged as the most practical approach for implementing the Graduated Driver Licensing System. These measures will be considered by me on the basis of proposals received from the Road Safety Authority.
The Road Safety Authority is currently preparing a consultation paper for issue shortly in which it will be seeking the views of stakeholders and the public on the application of further graduated driving licensing measures to learner drivers and to drivers in the first two years after acquiring a full driving licence. I look forward to receiving from the Road Safety Authority in due course the proposals which will emerge from that process.
