Up to 10,000 motorists will have had penalty points endorsed on their licences by next week, the Minister for Transport, Mr Brennan, announced yesterday when he urged motorists to drive safely over the St Patrick's weekend.
He said rigorous enforcement of the speeding regulations would be maintained by gardaí. During the five bank holiday weekends last year 36 people died on the roads, eight over the St Patrick's weekend.
"The loss of life which occurs as a result of road crashes is tragic at any time of year, but I urge people to take extra care during bank holiday weekends when more journeys are made by car," the Minister said.
He described as "significant" the impact made by penalty points since the scheme was introduced.
He said that in the final two months of 2002 the total number of road deaths was 46 compared with 77 in the same period in 2001. This reduction in fatalities has continued in 2003.
