Gardaí resolve row over new system

A GARDA row which threatened to delay the introduction of the penalty points system has been resolved following a last-minute intervention.

The system was criticised by the Garda Representative Association as “ham-fisted and unworkable” on Monday. The GRA claimed no proper preparation had been made and members were not informed on the practicalities of the system.

But rank-and-file members were assured by Garda management yesterday that all gardaí would be fully briefed on the workings of the system and no extra paperwork would be involved.

The penalty points, which involve radical change to the country’s road safety laws, will now come into force from tomorrow onwards.

Penalty points also mean that insurance premiums are set to rise for any drivers who break the law.

The Irish Insurance Industry Federation confirmed yesterday that policy-holders will be obliged to disclose any penalty points they incur.

Insurance firms also want to have access to the penalty points database so they can access individual drivers’ records.

Transport Minister Séamus Brennan said yesterday that he was considering making the information “available in some format” to insurers. However, such a move could raise serious questions over the right to privacy.

Speeding is the first offence to be included under the points system, but more than 60 other road traffic offences will be included when it is fully rolled out in a year’s time.

Any motorist caught speeding faces a fine of at least 80 and between two and four penalty points from this Thursday. Once a motorist clocks up 12 points they will lose their licence for six months.

More than 340,000 fines were handed out last year to motorists for speeding and Mr Brennan said he hoped the initiative would reduce death and injury on the roads.

Garda Assistant Commissioner Tony Hickey said all gardaí would be fully briefed and insisted there would be a minimum of paperwork.

“A circular is being issued from headquarters, so every garda around the country will be aware of what’s required,” he said.

“There will be a minimum of paper work, an absolute minimum. Central offices will be dealing with it. As far as I’m concerned, We’ll be well able for it.”

The Garda Representative Association said yesterday it had been assured by management that members on the ground would be fully informed on how to work the new system.

“At a meeting, Garda management acknowledged that the lines of communications to our members was not as effective as it should have been.

“However, we have been assured all gardaí will be adequately informed about the details and requirements of the proposed legislation before this Thursday,” it said in a statement.