Mobile use ignored in penalty points list
The plan is to have the 31 offences in law by April 1, but Garda Traffic Bureau sources indicated yesterday some computer problems would remain even after implementation.
The new Fixed Charge Processing System (FCPS) is supposed to integrate with the existing garda Pulse computer system and this is being done on a pilot basis. However, the trials have revealed problems in coordinating the systems.
“It threw up a few problems, it didn’t marry that well with Pulse. There were a few IT issues that needed to be ironed out,” said the source.
:
* Failure to wear child restraints.
* Failure to obey stop/yield signs.
* Illegal overtaking.
* Failure to obey traffic lights.
* Crossing a white line
* Driving a heavy goods vehicle or bus on the outside lane of a motorway.
Yesterday’s extension of the penalty points system falls short of Government promises in 2002 to introduce penalty points for 69 breaches of the Roads Traffic Act. There are now 35 penalty point breaches.
A Transport Department spokesperson said yesterday that gardaí, in the event of an accident or near accident, could determine that using a mobile phone amounted to an offence of driving without due attention, which carries penalty points.
But there is no specific offence of using a mobile phone while driving.
Automobile Association (AA) spokesman Conor Faughnan urged the Government to deliver on the overdue regulations on mobile phone usage.
“Using a mobile phone whilst driving is a reckless practice and is so widespread it certainly merits action. Such regulations are long overdue here,” Mr Faughnan said.
Transport Minister Martin Cullen also proposed yesterday the formation of a high-level ministerial road safety group, chaired by himself, and including senior civil servants and the Justice, Finance, Health and Education ministers.
Nearly nine-out-of-10 deaths on Irish roads are directly attributable to irresponsible driver behaviour, Mr Cullen said.
“Reckless drivers putting their lives and those of other road users at risk are the target of these measures,” he said.
291,800 drivers have received penalty points
19 - disqualified drivers.
32 - killed on roads this year 399 - killed last year
80 -120 fines apply to 30 of the 35 penalty point offences
Six month automatic driving ban when 12 penalty points reached.
