Fine Gael TD for Cavan-Monaghan, Heather Humphreys, has welcomed confirmation from the Minister for Transport that plans are underway that will see the mutual recognition of penalty points on both sides of the border.
Deputy Humphreys was informed of the proposals in reply to a recent Parliamentary Question she tabled in the Dail on the issue.
Speaking on the matter, Deputy Humphreys said:
“I regularly receive representations from constituents in Monaghan and Cavan who outline to me their frustration at the fact that motorists from Northern Ireland driving in the Republic are not subjected to the same penalties as southern drivers for offences such as speeding, drink driving and using a mobile phone while driving.
“The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Leo Varadkar TD has confirmed to me that a timetable has now been agreed for the drafting, passage and enactment of parallel legislation, North & South, by the 31 December 2014.
“The fact that penalty points will be recognised on both sides of the border will help to curtail dangerous driving practices on our roads both North and South of the border. This will be a particularly welcome measure for Cavan/Monaghan and the border area where there would be a much higher level of motorists crossing between the two jurisdictions.
“This is also a further example of the high level of co-operation that exists between the authorities North and South and indeed it will be the first model in Europe for the mutual recognition of penalty points by two jurisdictions. The setting down of a timetable for enactment is certainly a positive development and I look forward to the introduction of this legislation which will close the current loophole where it is possible to escape penalty points simply by crossing the Border,” said Deputy Humphreys.
