Authority complains over garda leniency in TV show

A NEW RTÉ series featuring members of the Garda Traffic Corps has been criticised by the Road Safety Authority over fears that some road traffic offenders are being treated too leniently.

The Irish Examiner has learnt that RSA chief executive Noel Brett has formally expressed concern to gardaí about several incidents documented in the RTÉ programme Traffic Blues.

Mr Brett has complained that drivers on learner permits might think they could escape sanction by failing to adhere to legal requirements such as being accompanied by a driver with a full licence and the display of L-plates.

Traffic Blues has featured incidents involving a number of young motorists being allowed off with a caution after being detected driving in breach of the rules on learner drivers.

Mr Brett has written to Assistant Garda Commissioner Eddie Rock, who has responsibility for the Garda Traffic Corps, to seek reassurance that gardaí are enforcing road traffic legislation, particularly in relation to young, novice drivers.

The RSA was particularly concerned that the programme showed how one teenage driver from Co Donegal, who was stopped a second time for driving offences avoided any fine or court appearance. Instead he was referred to the Garda juvenile diversion programme.

The RSA is also worried that some drivers who appeared to have committed speeding offences as well as having vehicles in a dangerous condition were merely given a caution.

“The RSA contacted the gardaí regarding the perception that the programme may give to some novice drivers,” confirmed an RSA spokesperson.

He admitted that the RSA has also received a number of complaints from driving instructors as well as members of the public.

It is understood senior gardaí had access to the final edit of the programme prior to its screening in which they could have raised any concerns, although editorial control remained with production company Big Mountain and RTÉ.

A Garda Press Office spokesperson defended the actions of the Garda Traffic Corps claiming the ultimate aim was to “positively influence the behaviour of all road users”.

“An Garda Síochána carries out its duties in relation to roads policing through enforcement, which includes use of the juvenile diversion programme, as appropriate as well as education and advice,” said the Garda spokesperson.

Official figures show that Traffic Blues is the third highest rated programme on RTÉ 1 with an audience of around 400,000 viewers.