merrion street

Third payment option expected to enhance Garda road traffic enforcement measures and bring about greater efficiencies for An Garda Síochána and the Courts Service

The Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality, Frances Fitzgerald TD, today commenced the Courts Act 2017 which will provide a third payment option for road traffic offences.

The Tánaiste said: “The delivery of the third payment option project is the culmination of a number of years work and ongoing, close engagement between my Department, the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, An Garda Síochána and the Courts Service.”

“Up to 1 June 2017, a Fixed Charge Notice offence afforded two payment options before a summons was issued requiring a person to attend court. A first period of 28 days during which the person may pay the fixed charge amount, followed by a second period of 28 days, during which the person may pay the fixed charge amount plus 50%.”

“The third payment option will allow for the payment of the fixed charge amount plus 100% from time of summons service up to 7 days before the date of their court appearance.”

“So if a person takes up the third payment option, proceedings will be discontinued and they will not have to attend court.”

“This should to an increase in payment rates and reduction in the volume of road traffic offence cases proceeding to court.”