Question to the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Mr. Paschal Donohoe, TD)
To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on revising the system of speeding fines and introducing graduated fines for infringements of the limits at the lower levels and larger fines and penalty points being reserved for those doing reckless and dangerous speeds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. – Jerry Buttimer
For WRITTEN ANSWER on Tuesday, 10 February 2015.
REPLY
One of the main causes of road crashes on Irish roads is excessive and inappropriate speed. My Department, in conjunction with the Road Safety Authority, An Garda Siochána and other stakeholders, is continuing to examine this area to identify measures that can be taken to bring about future reductions in fatalities and serious injuries.
The main goal of the penalty point system is to make drivers more aware of unsafe driving behaviour and by doing so, improve that behaviour. I have no plans in the near future to change the current system in relation to speeding offences, although I will keep the Deputy’s suggestion in mind when the penalty point offences are next reviewed