Penalty points system - Enforcement needed to stop carnage

THE unveiling of 31 extra penalty point offences, a long overdue initiative aimed at curbing irresponsible driving behaviour, deserves to be welcomed as an important step towards reducing the appalling carnage on our roads.

A much-expanded safety charter brings to 35 the number of offences that now warrant penalty points. And while some new offences are technical and will have little impact on motorists, several will bite.

From April 1, drivers will be given penalty points for breaking traffic lights, overtaking on solid white lines, ignoring stop and yield signs, not using child restraints, and driving on the hard shoulder. Driving a lorry or bus on the outside lane of the motorway will also merit points.