Gardaí have have welcomed new laws that now allows them to arrest disqualified drivers on the spot rather than issuing them with a fine.
Gardaí also say the new laws have been successful after as they have already arrested 117 disqualified drivers since June. Under the new rules drivers who have been convicted of previous motoring offences will now face a maximum fine of €5,000 or could face being jailed for up to six months.
Meanwhile Chief Superintendent Mark Curran from the Garda National Traffic Bureau also welcomed the news saying: “Up to June 22 this year we had 245 arrested, so the numbers have increased,” “At the moment we’re arresting three people per day, and driving while disqualified is a very serious offence, so we have put a lot of effort into going out there enforcing this,” Supt Curran added: “The message is, if you’re a disqualified driver, do not drive.”