Motorists may soon be subject to stricter penalties for speeding under new proposals currently being prepared by the Government.
Junior Transport Minister Seán Canney is advancing plans for a graduated penalty points system, where points could increase from three up to seven for excessive speeding, reports Breaking News.
The proposals follow a significant rise in road fatalities, with 190 people losing their lives last year, the highest number recorded in more than ten years.
Writing in the Irish Independent, Mr Canney said the next road traffic bill would introduce graduated speeding penalties as well as camera-led enforcement for mobile phone use and seatbelt offences, reports Breaking News.
He also said the Government is working alongside the Law Reform Commission to consolidate road traffic legislation for the first time since 1961.
“It is our role as the Government and the organisations of the State to put in place protections and supports for safe behaviour,” he said, reports Breaking News.
“Yet we need all road users, particularly drivers, to not engage in dangerous behaviours. We all need to be kind and patient with those we share the roads with, and to consider the potentially devastating consequences of our actions,” reports Breaking News.
Mr Canney also said the “stark increases” in deaths among pedestrians and older people were “particularly concerning”, reports Breaking News.
“We tend to perceive younger people as at highest risk, but in 2025, about 50 per cent more people over 60 died on the roads than people under 30,” reports Breaking News.
“Road safety concerns us all, and improving it must involve us all,” reports Breaking News.
His column follows a strongly critical article by former Minister for Transport Shane Ross in the Sunday Independent, reports Breaking News.
Criticising what he described as Government inaction on road safety, he wrote: “While lunatics behind the wheel continue to create mayhem, ÂÂapathy trumps action among lawmakers,” reports Breaking News.
“Public relations campaigns by the Road Safety Authority (RSA) and empty appeals for careful driving from ministers should not persuade us that there is a sense of urgency in the Government. There isn’t,” reports Breaking News.
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