IRELAND: Fines for the most dangerous driving offenses will double - Transport Minister Hildegard Naughton

Dublin: Fines for the most dangerous driving offenses will double in the Republic of Ireland. It follows four deaths on Irish roads in 24 hours.

Transport Minister Hildegard Naughton said the number of incidents on Irish roads was worrying.

Ms Naughton said the number of incidents on Irish roads had become alarming and 'we must act now'. "I am deeply concerned by the high number of deaths on our roads this year," he added. , but while doing so we must remember to stay safe on the road."

Transport has decided to double fines for the most dangerous driving offenses in the Republic of Ireland. It follows four deaths in three separate incidents on Irish roads in a 24-hour period from Sunday to Monday.

The fine for speeding will increase from €80 to €160, and the fine for using a mobile phone while driving or not wearing a seat belt will double to €120.

The regulations, introduced by Transport Minister Hildegard Naughton, will double fines for other offenses that endanger the safety of vulnerable road users.

The number of road deaths has increased this year compared to the same time last year in the Republic, with 94 deaths and 673 serious injuries to date in 2022, a 42% increase in fatalities. The new fines were announced in a road safety appeal by the Road Safety Authority and Gardaí.

Ms Naughton said regulations to double fines were now being worked on and would come into force in the next few weeks. She said increasing the penalty points "requires a preliminary piece of legislation and is something that can be worked on." The minister added that 61 more road safety camera zones have become operational, bringing the total number across the republic to 1,373.