Implement EU road safety law directive, urges group
The directive, which will come into force by Nov 7, will see motorists across the EU facing fines and other penalties for breaking traffic laws when driving in a foreign country.
However, foreign motorists driving in Ireland and Irish motorists driving abroad will not face any sanctions as a result of Ireland’s failure to opt in to the new rules.
It is estimated that the legislation could prevent almost 5,000 road fatalities across the EU each year.
To date, many countries have been unable to penalise foreign drivers who commit road traffic offences like speeding. However, the legislation permits the cross-border exchange between EU member states to identify motorists who have committed road traffic offences.
The European Transport Safety Council said implementing the legislation would have considerable life-saving potential and would help improve road safety across the EU.
However, the council expressed regret that Ireland, as well as the UK and Denmark, have decided not to opt in to the legislation, although it remains open to all three countries to participate.
Under Protocol 21 of the Treaty of the European Union, Ireland and the UK do not participate in legislation adopted in the areas of freedom, security, and justice, although they can opt-in on a case by case basis.
ETSC executive director Antonio Avenoso said it was fair that EU member states were seeking to enforce road traffic laws on all those travelling in one country. “The country of a vehicle’s registration should not mean that enforcement is more lenient,” said Mr Avenoso.
The council said it would encourage Ireland and the other countries to opt in as soon as possible. “Neighbouring states would also benefit from them opting in,” he said
The directive will allow foreign drivers to be pursued for eight categories of offences.
They are speeding, non-use of a seatbelt, failure to stop at a red traffic light or stop sign, drink-driving, drug-driving, not using safety helmets by motorcyclists, using bus lanes, and using a mobile phone while driving.
Asked why Ireland had not opted to participate in the new road safety initiative, a Department of Transport spokesperson said a case was being taken to the European Court of Justice by the European Commission to annul the directive before such a decision could be made.
In an unusual move, the commission is seeking to have the legal base of the directive switched from “justice and home affairs” to “transport.” However, the commission has stressed that the legal proceedings will not prevent the directive from coming into force by Nov 7.
It is estimated that there are 100 million cross-border road trips undertaken each year across the EU.
