7% fewer penalty points handed out

The number of motorists who obtained penalty points for road traffic offences fell by more than 7% last year amid fears that a reduction in the size of the Garda Traffic Corps has impacted on enforcement levels.

According to the Road Safety Authority, a total of 239,071 penalty point offences were detected last year — down almost 18,500 on 2011 figures or 7.2%.

RSA chief executive Noel Brett said any reduction in the issuing of penalty points would need to be examined and there would be a concern if enforcement levels were not being maintained.