Proposed Law to Increase Penalty Points for Traffic Offences on Bank Holidays – Boosting Road Safety, Ireland

New Legislation Proposes Higher Penalty Points for Traffic Offences on Bank Holidays – A Move to Enhance Road Safety

A new proposal aims to increase penalty points for motorists who commit traffic offences during bank holiday weekends. The legislation is part of a broader effort to improve road safety and reduce the number of fatal or serious collisions that occur during these periods, when there is typically a higher volume of people on the roads.

The move to introduce higher penalty points for specific timeframes like bank holiday weekends has already been successfully implemented in other jurisdictions, including Australia. Now, Minister of State for Transport, Jack Chambers, is working on including this proposal in the Road Traffic Measures Bill 2023.

Various stakeholders, such as the Gardaí, politicians, and the Road Safety Authority (RSA), consistently urge motorists to exercise caution when driving during bank holiday weekends. The aim is to raise awareness about the increased risks associated with these periods and encourage responsible driving.

RSA chief executive Sam Waide, ahead of the August bank holiday, highlighted the concerning rise in road deaths during the first half of 2023. Drivers were advised to slow down while operating vehicles and to refrain from driving if under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Minister Chambers expressed his determination to reduce road deaths and make the roads safer, stating that enforcement and the visibility of Gardaí play a vital role. However, he emphasized the need for new legislation to address various issues and trends that contribute significantly to road collisions. The proposed Road Traffic Measures Bill 2023 aims to tackle these concerns promptly and comprehensively.

One important aspect of the planned legislation is the introduction of increased penalty points for motorists who commit multiple driving offences. This measure aims to address a loophole in current road traffic legislation, where only the most severe offence attracts penalty points if a driver is found guilty of two or more offences.

Mandatory drug testing at the scene of road collisions is another proposal set to be included in the new legislation. Currently, Gardaí are only required to conduct mandatory alcohol testing, although they have the option to test for drugs as well.

By implementing higher penalty points for traffic offences during bank holiday weekends and addressing anomalies in the current legislation, the hope is that the proposed measures will act as strong deterrents, making the roads safer for all road users.

It is imperative to prioritize road safety and take the necessary steps to protect lives. Minister Chambers’ proposed legislation, bolstered by successful measures in other countries, demonstrates a commitment to reducing road deaths and improving road safety. With an increased focus on enforcement, new legislation, and public awareness, we can collectively work toward making our roads safer and preventing avoidable tragedies.