Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport calls for amending legislation to be expedited

8th February 2010 – The President of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport Ireland (CILT)*, Paul Mallee, has described revelations that over 17,500 drivers have escaped penalty points as a result of court clerks not passing-on information to court clerks as “entirely undermining the logic of the penalty points system, and jeopardizing lives and safety on Irish roads.”

Mr Mallee said the anomaly was the worst type of example of the absence of joined-up thinking between various arms of the State.

While recognizing that changes to legislation are imminent, he called on the Minister for Transport to expedite any further necessary action to ensure that court clerks are compelled to pass-on this information to the Road Safety Authority to ensure that drivers who have committed offences receive appropriate punishment.

Mr Mallee commented, “Capturing accurate data related to suspects should not be such a challenge, especially when you consider what is already effectively executed at airports to ensure that the appropriate person is travelling on a legitimate ticket.

“Almost nine years after the introduction of penalty points, it is entirely self-defeating that so many drivers are getting away scot-free for offences that, ultimately, put lives at risk on our roads.

“While statistics published over the weekend have showed an improvement in safety standards, if we are ever to complete the cultural shift away from dangerous driving towards a safety first philosophy, then we must ensure that all parts of the State responsible for the implementation of penalty points are applying them as necessary.

“Regrettably, only a small number of court clerks have recognized the bigger picture and have voluntarily passed-on the necessary information to the Road Safety Authority. While the Minister for Transport is moving to compel all clerks to do so automatically, the question arises as to how many more accidents could have been avoided and lives saved, if the system had been administered properly in the first place?

“Over recent months, the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport has supported a series of measures such as the lower drink-driving limits, and the introduction of mandatory daytime lights on vehicles during the darker winter months, to improve safety standards and reduce deaths.

“Closing this loophole that allows drivers escape appropriate punishment is a further element of how we can clamp down on dangerous driving and begin the process of proactively working towards improved driving culture for the benefit of all.”   

ENDS - For more info please contact Ronan Farren, Q4 PR, 01 475 1444 / 087 934 0386

*The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT), established in 1919, is a membership based organisation with over 30,000 members in more than 30 countries.  CILT is the independent professional body for those engaged in logistics and all modes of transport, enhancing the professional knowledge and competence of its members through comprehensive training, continuing professional development and certified educational programmes.