Double fine for drivers to avoid penalty point court appearances

Drivers are set to be given the option of paying a double fine to avoid a court appearance in penalty point cases under government plans.

A memo is due to be brought to Cabinet tomorrow which would allow drivers summonsed for not paying a fine to avoid court.

It is understood that Justice Minster Frances Fitzgerald, Transport Minister Shane Ross, and Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Pashcal Donohoe have been working on the measures in a bid to combat the thousands of drivers who avoid penalty points each year.