Proposals to introduce new measures to the licensing procedure for learner and newly qualified drivers.
The Road Safety Authority begins an eight week period of public consultation ahead of the introduction of new rules for learner drivers and recently qualified drivers.
There are currently 230,000 learner drivers in the country. They may now be hoping to pass their driving test with greater urgency ahead of proposed changes to the rules of a new graduated licensing system. The proposals include the introduction of zero alcohol limits, restrictions on the number of passengers a learner can carry, the power of the car they drive, as well as restrictions on nighttime driving. Consideration is also being given to increased penalty points and changes to the driving test.
Noel Brett, CEO of the Road Safety Authority (RSA), encourages people to make submissions and suggestions about the new rules and says the purpose of these measures is,
To reduce death and injury on Irish roads.
Following the public consultation, the RSA will make recommendations to the Minister for Transport.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 13 January 2009. The reporter is Martina Fitzgerald.
