Gardaí have disputed reports that a legal loophole exists which allows motorists caught on automated speed cameras to escape penalty points by not turning up in court.
In a statement, Garda Headquarters said the 2002 Road Traffic Act came into force late last year to coincide with the introduction of penalty points and makes provision for a registered owner or driver who fails to turn up in court to be convicted in their absence.
The Garda statement was issued in response to newspaper reports today, which claimed that a person who does not turn up in court, after being caught speeding by the automated system, cannot be convicted.
The Minister for Transport, Seamus Brennan, says he is under the impression that there is no loophole but says he is seeking legal advice from the Attorney General's office on the matter.
The Minister was speaking at the opening of the Drogheda Bypass.
