Shane Ross accused over plan to clamp down on L drivers

Transport Minister Shane Ross has been accused of being out of touch with the reality of rural life, after announcing new laws to fine and jail motorists who give their vehicles to unaccompanied learner drivers.

Rural Independent TD Mattie McGrath hit out at Mr Ross’s plans to significantly increase the severity of penalties for the offences after the changes were signed off by cabinet yesterday.

Under existing rules, a learner driver who is driving alone in a vehicle can be prosecuted for putting other people at risk. However, the person who owns the vehicle escapes punishment.