Over 46,000 have penalty points on licence

Over 46,000 motorists have incurred penalty points since the scheme was introduced last November, it was announced today.

All of these have got points on their licences for speeding offences. There are no figures available yet for those who have been penalised for failing to wear seatbelts or ensure their passengers are belted up.

The vast majority of those, 44,751, have received two points for a single speeding offence. However, four drivers have eight points, while one motorist has accumulated ten points.

Once a driver receives 12 points within a three-year period, they are automatically disqualified from driving for six months.

The Minister for Transport, Mr Séamus Brennan, said penalty points had led to a "significant drop" in deaths and injuries on Irish roads.

A total of 279 people have been killed in the past 10 months, which is 63 fewer compared with the same period in the preceding 12 months, when 342 people died.

"The number of road deaths during the month of August alone, which is a particularly busy holiday month on our roads, was the lowest for the month of August since 1985 when the death toll was 24," Mr Brennan said.

He also called on the insurance industry to play its part in improving road safety, particularly as the number of insurance claims have dropped "considerably" since points were introduced.

A total of 69 offences, including running of a red light, non-compliance with Stop and Yield signs and offences relating to vehicle safety and driver licensing, will eventually be covered by the penalty points system. The Minister has set a date of mid-2004 for the system to be fully operational.