Emergency legislation to close escape route for penalty points drivers
Transport Minister Paschal Donohoe will reveal details of the technical glitch today as well as the measures to be taken to strengthen road traffic legislation.
It has emerged in recent days that potentially thousands of points may have to be quashed due to the loophole.
In a statement yesterday, the minister said: “A technical issue which gave rise to potential difficulty with penalty points issued for motoring offences was identified within my department. The advice of the Attorney General’s Office was sought in respect of the need for amending legislation to deal with the issue. That advice was received last night and is now being considered.”
The amended legislation will be published today.
The Coalition has refused to reveal details surrounding the issue for fear some motorists may try to exploit the loophole.
Mr Donohoe added: “Amending legislation is being drafted to ensure that there will be no interruption to the enforcement of road traffic offences under the penalty points system.”
The emergency legislation will be brought before TDs and senators before the Dáil goes into recess on the Thursday.
There is speculation the technical hitch in the road traffic rules has led to fears that thousands of points could be deemed invalid for offences such as speeding, driving without a seatbelt and while using a phone.
