STRINGENT new measures introduced by the Road Safety Authority will crackdown on learner permit and recently qualified drivers, in a bid to reduce death on the country’s roads. However, the rules will not apply to those who are currently holding a provisional licence and who are yet to pass their driving test. A spokesperson for the RSA told the Limerick Post that the measures will be placed on those applying for a learner permit from April 4, 2011.
“Anyone who currently holds a permit will not be subject to the measures, and will not be subject to the restrictions once they pass their driving test,”,said the spokesperson.
From April 4 for cars, and December 11 for motorcycles, permit holders and drivers qualified for two years or less will be subject to double penalty points for certain offences, including speeding, not wearing a seatbelt, using a mobile phone and breaking traffic lights.
The drink driving limit for these drivers will be reduced to 20mg/100ml.
With four points per offence, such drivers who clock up 12 points within a three year timeframe face an automatic 12 month driving ban.
If they are summoned to court and convicted they will face restrictions such as a ban on carrying passengers or driving at night and will be ordered to have alco-locks, speed recording and tracking devices fitted to their vehicles.
Newly qualified drivers will also be required to display ‘R’ plates, indicating that they have a restricted licence for two years.
The measures, approved by Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey, will also mean a change in requirements to qualify for a learner permit, such as 12 hours of mandatory driving lessons with an approved instructor and an extended Driver Theory test, while the driving test is to be “modernised”.
RSA chief Noel Brett said the measures were vital to reduce the number of deaths on the roads.
“It is essential that drivers are formally trained to drive safely for life, rather than training just to pass a test”, said the road safety boss.
“However, driver inexperience is a major risk factor in death and injury collisions on our roads.
“The facts are that young and inexperienced drivers are more likely to kill or be killed on Irish roads. We believe that these measures are proportionate fair and necessary”.
The modernisation of driver training and licensing is part of the government’s current road safety strategy.
