Kitt calls for double penalty points on bank holidays

Penalty points for speeding offences should be doubled on bank holiday weekends, Government chief whip Tom Kitt said.

Penalty points for speeding offences should be doubled on bank holiday weekends, Government chief whip Tom Kitt said.

Mr Kitt said that under the proposals all other offences committed during bank holidays would not be doubled but one extra penalty point would be added on to the offence.

The proposed policy mirrors existing legislation in New South Wales, Australia.

"A double penalty points regime would apply over eight bank holiday weekends per year and would act as a recurring reminder to motorists of the dangers of speeding on our roads" Mr Kitt said.

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The proposals have been referred to the Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey for consideration.

Since its introduction, New South Wales has seen a 20 per cent reduction in the number of deaths.

Gardaí have said they will establish additional checkpoints over the extended holiday period to combat drink-driving and excessive speed.

Last year 1,990 motorists were caught speeding and 481 drink-driving over the St Patrick's Day holiday period. Over Easter, 2,644 speeding motorists and 445 drink-driving incidents were recorded.