Mobile use ignored in penalty points list

MOBILE PHONE usage was not included in 31 new penalty point offences announced yesterday - five years after a promised Government clampdown.

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.