News

Driving disqualifications now recognised on both sides of Irish border

The disqualifications relate to drivers disqualified for hit-and-run, reckless or dangerous driving and driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
The disqualifications relate to drivers disqualified for hit-and-run, reckless or dangerous driving and driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The disqualifications relate to drivers disqualified for hit-and-run, reckless or dangerous driving and driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

MOTORISTS banned from driving while on the other side of the border will now also be off the road in their home jurisdiction in a cross-government attempt to cut road deaths.

Laws changed in Northern Ireland and the Republic yesterday - two years after a road safety agreement was signed between the Irish and UK governments.

The disqualifications relate to drivers disqualified for reckless or dangerous driving, hit-and-run driving, and driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

It also includes bans incurred in Great Britain and transfers the penalty by the imposing state to the offenders `home' state.

Irish Transport Minister Shane Ross said the "mutual recognition" of driving disqualification "aims to target dangerous drivers on our roads".

"Mutual recognition of driving disqualifications is an important road safety measure for both Ireland and the UK, and is one of a series of measures I am introducing which will reduce road injuries and ultimately save lives," he said.

"The legal consequence of the offence committed follows the offender home."

SDLP Infrastructure spokesman Daniel McCrossan said it is important that the border "can no longer provide cover for dangerous or careless drivers".

"Considering the number of accidents, hit and runs, and instances of driving when intoxicated, it's important that all measures are taken to protect the public and road users," he said.

"This legislation is a major step in tackling dangerous and careless drivers on this island. This is a practical, common-sense measure... There are no more hiding places."

The agreement focuses on road safety, not financial penalties which remain an outstanding issue, with recent figures revaealing almost 400,000 journeys made by Northern Ireland motorists on Dublin's barrier-free M50 toll road in the last two years were not paid for

In 2014 a British debt collection company was employed to target the thousands of northern motorists who do not pay the toll.

The department of infrastructure confirmed in December there were no powers to pursue drivers in the Republic who fail to pay road fines in the north.