01/07/2008

Provisional Licence Driver’s To Face Even Tougher Restrictions.

As new rules restricting provisional licence holders from driving alone come into force, a range of new measures will make learning to drive in Ireland is even tougher than ever.

Laws meaning provisional licence holders caught on the roads without a qualified driver now face fines least €1,000 came into force on Tuesday, but the Road Safety Authority has revealed a list of 17 further measures to be implemented by the Autumn.

The second learner permits loophole closed at midnight on Monday, and the Road Safety Authority (RSA) said it expects gardaí to enforce the new law, which affects some 92,000 drivers.

Many learners claim they will flout the new rule complaining it is unfair in the face of still lengthy waiting times for driving tests and poor public transport.

However, the new measures provide requirements on the accompanying driver, that he or she must be able to produce a licence, be qualified for over two years, and are to be subject to drink driving restrictions and mandatory alcohol testing.

The full list of 17 measures is contained in Appendix III of the Government's Road Safety Strategy.

The strategy also indicates a target date for the introduction of necessary legislation by autumn 2008.

The impending crackdown has led to scores of learners applying for their test and the average waiting time has now been cut to 7.7 weeks, the spokesman said.

(DW)


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