Provisional licence backlog to be tackled

LEARNER drivers could be banned from the roads if they fail their driving tests, Transport Minister Martin Cullen warned yesterday.

However, the radical measure will not be introduced until the backlog of 130,000 provisional licence holders is cleared. Some applicants have to wait for up to 47 weeks to sit their tests.

A total of 404,607 provisional licence-holders were on the road at the end of 2005 an increase of almost 25,000 on 2004.

The new system for taking L-drivers off the road was proposed by the Institute of Advanced Motorists in Ireland.

Agreeing with the proposal, Mr Cullen said: "We know what is best practice in other countries and the new Road Safety Authority is looking at all these issues.

"The whole driving licensing system that we have is not good enough for modern society."

Pressed on a timeframe for the new measure, he added: "We will have to get to the stage when they can their sit their test within six weeks."

Mr Cullen also suggested the introduction of a graduated licence system where drivers can steadily increase their skill levels.

The minister was speaking at the launch of a new television advertising campaign urging motorists to improve their driving behaviour.

The four 30-second bilingual ads which will focus on dangerous overtaking, tailgating, making a right turn and cornering are the latest attempt by the new RSA to reduce the carnage on Ireland's roads.

Supt Declan O'Brien, representing the Garda Commissioner, said speeding, drink driving and the non-wearing of seat-belts would be targeted over the May bank holiday.

"Making a mistake on the road can and does have fatal consequences. There is absolutely no margin for error," he said.

A total of 27 people have died and 514 people have been injured on May Bank Holiday weekends since 2001.

RSA chairman Gay Byrne agreed that the measure could only be introduced after the test backlog is cleared.

"There are hundreds of thousands of people out there who are driving on provisional licences through no fault of their own because they can't get a test," he said.

The veteran broadcaster urged all motorists to cut their speed by 5mph over the May bank holiday weekend.

Sponsor of the new ad campaign, Irish Insurance Federation vice-president John O'Neill said education campaigns needed to be backed up by strong legislation and vigorous enforcement.

He added: "Young foreign drivers with tendencies to break or bend the law are simply learning what Irish drivers with the same tendencies have known for years that the likelihood of being caught engaging in these offences is minimal."