Penalty points - System has been a failure

THOUGH the rate of deaths on our roads is falling, the heartbreak felt by those so bereaved is not in any way eased by the improved figures.

So far this year 208 people have been killed on the roads in the Republic, with eight fatalities in August. The figure for the year to date is down by 40 compared to the same period last year.

Nonetheless, it has almost become a set piece that we read of the latest weekend tragedy in the Monday morning newspapers.