Penalty points system should be challenged, says judge

A DISTRICT court judge has said the penalty points system for drivers which was introduced last year should be challenged.

Judge Mary Martin said she has doubts about the legislation, particularly the provisions for exacting higher fines when motorists don’t pay on time, or imposing four points instead of two if they challenge a case. “Someone should contest this,” she said.

Judge Martin made her comments during a case at Castlecomer District Court in Co Kilkenny. The defendan was caught speeding in a 30mph zone in mid-November and paid the €80 fine at Kilkenny on December 7.