merrion street

Wide range of further safety measures being considered

Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport Leo Varadkar has confirmed that major new road safety measures come into force today (Wednesday) for mandatory breath testing.

From today, Gardaí will be required to conduct a preliminary breath test where they believe a driver has consumed alcohol, or at the scene of a crash where someone has been injured and requires medical attention.

The new measures have been brought in through the Road Traffic Act (2011), the first piece of legislation under this Government to be signed into law by the President.

Minister Varadkar said today: ‘I am very pleased to confirm that it will be mandatory for Gardaí to conduct breath tests at the scene of a collision where someone has been injured and requires medical attention. This is a very welcome development which I hope will make a significant contribution to road safety’.

"The Road Traffic Act (2011) which brings in these measures was the first piece of legislation placed before the Dáil after the general election, which shows that road safety is a key priority for this Government.

"Revised blood alcohol concentration levels for all drivers are due to be introduced later this year, including a reduction to 20mgs for learner and professional drivers.

"I also hope to bring a second piece of legislation forward to introduce further new road safety measures. Options being considered, as part of the development of a Graduated Driver Licensing System, include doubling or increasing penalty points for learner and novice drivers in respect of certain high-risk driving offences, and a requirement for novice drivers who have recently passed a driving test to display ‘R’ plates."

Minister Varadkar said his Department is also considering further road safety measures which he hopes to introduce in the near future. Some of these include:

· A hazard perception test for the driving test, currently being considered by the Road Safety Authority;

· An expert group is examining the possibility of expanding sentencing options available to the courts for driving offences;

· Proposals are currently being finalised for the roll-out of more of the agreed penalty point offences.