Tough new laws for road offences unveiled

It has been revealed that tougher sentences for so-called joyriders and new legislation to improve road safety will be spearheaded in a review of the Road Traffic Penalties legislation.

A consultation document released today proposes a number of, what the government describes as "significant, and in some cases fundamental", reforms to the law. The consultation period will run for 12 weeks.

Criminal Justice Minister, Des Browne, said: "This review is aimed at reducing the number of deaths on our roads and raising the level of road safety awareness in Northern Ireland.

The paper comprises a total of some 25 main proposals, together with a number of other, more technical, issues for consultation.

The most significant changes put forward by the document relate to:

• a requirement to re-train or re-qualify after disqualification or, in some cases, as an alternative to prosecution
• an increase in the penalties available for dangerous driving and driving while under the influence of drink or drugs where the offence involves causing death or grievous bodily injury
the creation of the offence of aggravated vehicle taking for Northern Ireland together with the associated causing death or grievous bodily injury offence, with high level penalties
• an increase in the maximum penalty for dangerous driving
heavier penalties for repeat drink-driving offenders and drivers with a high level of alcohol
• a new two-tier fixed penalty system for speeding, which will award a higher level of points to those who exceed the limit by a wider margin.

The document also contains a number of other, more targeted proposals, dealing with, for example, the enforcement of bus lanes or the use of hand-held mobile phones whilst driving.

Mr Browne added: "It also includes proposals to make tough new penalties available to judges in sentencing so-called joyriders and sends a clear message that the government regards this type of abhorrent behaviour as utterly unacceptable. I believe that those involved in this corrosive and destructive crime should pay a heavy price and this document contains a framework to allow this to happen.

"In recent months we have all witnessed a worryingly high number of fatal collisions across Northern Ireland. Already this year the lives of too many families in this community have been touched by tragedy in this needless way."

(GMcG)