Penalty points system works better thanks to whistleblowers

The cleaned-up penalty points system has passed its first real test by the body set up to keep an eye on it, but there are still areas of concern, writes Michael Clifford

The new cleaned-up penalty point regime has passed its first test. Yesterday, the Department of Justice published the first report from the Independent Oversight Authority, which is charged with keeping an eye on the system. The report finds that much has improved, but a couple of areas still require attention if the penalty points system is to obtain the confidence of all citizens.

Some senior public figures such as Alan Shatter and former garda commissioner must wish they’d never heard of penalty points, such was the impact of the story on their respective careers. But it is now obvious that, but for the work of Sergeant Maurice McCabe and former garda John Wilson, the system would continue to be abused, roads rendered less safe, and revenue lost to the State.