Gardaí not 'adequately briefed' on penalty system

Gardaí have not been adequately briefed to enforce a new penalty point system for drivers, it was tonight claimed.

Michael Kirby, president of the Garda Representative Association, said he was not opposed to the concept of the scheme – due to start on Thursday – but that the problem was its implementation.

He said: “Rank and file gardai who will be operating the system have had no briefing in how the system will work.”

Mr Kirby said he could not see how gardaí would be able to implement “something they know nothing about“.

The system – which brings Ireland broadly into line with the road regulations in most other European states – was scheduled to have been introduced more than five years ago.

But the plans of successive Governments were repeatedly held up by legislative and red tape problems.

At first only speeding will qualify towards a ban, with motorists caught going over the limit six times over a three-year period facing a six-month disqualification.

Other driving penalties will fall within the points scheme next year.

This weekend there was criticism from the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors, who said the points plan should be put on hold until a fully computerised set-up is ready.

They dismissed the new system as unworkable because of the vast amount of paperwork that will tie up police time in processing offences.

However today the Minister for Transport Seamus Brennan insisted the system would be running on Thursday despite criticism.

“Be under no illusions,” he said. “The law of the land from Thursday is that if you are caught speeding you will attract penalty points.”