‘Penalty points crisis hits confidence’

One of the country’s top gardaí has expressed concern that the recent controversy surrounding the quashing of penalty points has hindered public confidence in road safety enforcement.

Assistant Garda Commissioner Gerard Phillips, who heads up the Garda National Traffic Bureau, said the issue had been unhelpful in getting out the message that the law was applied equally to all motorists.

Asked if he found the controversy frustrating, Mr Phillips replied: “It certainly doesn’t help but we have to put that aside“.