01/08/2017
Driving Bans To Be Mutually Recognised On Both Sides Of Irish Border
Driving bans will now be mutually recognised on both sides of the Irish border.
From today, 01 August, motorists who choose to flout the laws of the road and commit offences that lead to their prosecution and disqualification in Northern Ireland or another part of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, will have their driving bans recognised in either jurisdiction.
The Chief Inspector of Criminal Justice in NI, Brendan McGuigan, welcomed the announcement.
He said: "The mutual recognition of driving disqualification between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland is something CJI called for in November 2016 after we published our inspection report on the Enforcement of road traffic legislation in Northern Ireland and subsequently gave evidence before the Northern Ireland Assembly Committee for Justice.
"I am delighted that from now on, those motorists found guilty in Court in either jurisdiction will find their motoring bans do not disappear when travel north or south, or east or west across the border. This is key information which should be accessible to police officers in Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and Great Britain who seek to ensure the safety of all road users."
SDLP Infrastructure Spokesperson and West Tyrone MLA Daniel McCrossan said: "Considering the number of accidents, hit and runs, and instances of driving when intoxicated, it's important that all measures are taken to protect the public and road users.
"This legislation is a major step in tackling dangerous and careless drivers on this island. This is a practical, common-sense measure.
"The border will no longer provide cover for the perpetrators of motoring offences, especially along the border area. There are no more hiding places."
(CD/LM)
From today, 01 August, motorists who choose to flout the laws of the road and commit offences that lead to their prosecution and disqualification in Northern Ireland or another part of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, will have their driving bans recognised in either jurisdiction.
The Chief Inspector of Criminal Justice in NI, Brendan McGuigan, welcomed the announcement.
He said: "The mutual recognition of driving disqualification between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland is something CJI called for in November 2016 after we published our inspection report on the Enforcement of road traffic legislation in Northern Ireland and subsequently gave evidence before the Northern Ireland Assembly Committee for Justice.
"I am delighted that from now on, those motorists found guilty in Court in either jurisdiction will find their motoring bans do not disappear when travel north or south, or east or west across the border. This is key information which should be accessible to police officers in Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and Great Britain who seek to ensure the safety of all road users."
SDLP Infrastructure Spokesperson and West Tyrone MLA Daniel McCrossan said: "Considering the number of accidents, hit and runs, and instances of driving when intoxicated, it's important that all measures are taken to protect the public and road users.
"This legislation is a major step in tackling dangerous and careless drivers on this island. This is a practical, common-sense measure.
"The border will no longer provide cover for the perpetrators of motoring offences, especially along the border area. There are no more hiding places."
(CD/LM)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
29 May 2012
Access To Republic Of Ireland Digital TV Channels Confirmed For Northern Ireland
TV viewers in Northern Ireland will be able to watch TG4 and RTÉ One and Two on Freeview following digital TV switchover, the UK Government confirmed today.
Access To Republic Of Ireland Digital TV Channels Confirmed For Northern Ireland
TV viewers in Northern Ireland will be able to watch TG4 and RTÉ One and Two on Freeview following digital TV switchover, the UK Government confirmed today.
12 March 2007
OFT bans Northern Ireland estate agent
The OFT has made a prohibition order against a Northern Ireland estate agent banning him from estate agency work. Sidney Mawhinney was a sole trader who operated under his own name in Carryduff, County Down. At Downpatrick Crown Court on 18 November 2005, he pleaded guilty to eleven counts of theft and thirteen counts of false accounting.
OFT bans Northern Ireland estate agent
The OFT has made a prohibition order against a Northern Ireland estate agent banning him from estate agency work. Sidney Mawhinney was a sole trader who operated under his own name in Carryduff, County Down. At Downpatrick Crown Court on 18 November 2005, he pleaded guilty to eleven counts of theft and thirteen counts of false accounting.
28 October 2009
Loophole For Banned Drivers Closed
A deal to keep disqualified drivers off UK and Irish roads will come into force in February, it has been announced today. Irish drivers disqualified while in the UK will no longer be able to escape their offences when they return to the Irish Republic.
Loophole For Banned Drivers Closed
A deal to keep disqualified drivers off UK and Irish roads will come into force in February, it has been announced today. Irish drivers disqualified while in the UK will no longer be able to escape their offences when they return to the Irish Republic.
25 February 2005
DVTA issues warning on false RoI drivers licences
DOE Driver & Vehicle Testing Agency (DVTA) has issued a warning to motorists who use false Republic of Ireland driving licences on Northern Ireland’s roads. It follows a suspended prison sentence imposed on a lorry driver in Larne recently convicted of driving licence offences.
DVTA issues warning on false RoI drivers licences
DOE Driver & Vehicle Testing Agency (DVTA) has issued a warning to motorists who use false Republic of Ireland driving licences on Northern Ireland’s roads. It follows a suspended prison sentence imposed on a lorry driver in Larne recently convicted of driving licence offences.
02 December 2024
Renewed Push To Combat Careless Driving And Speeding
The Department for Infrastructure has renewed its partnership with the Northern Ireland Road Safety Partnership (NIRSP) to launch two road safety campaigns. The first campaign, which highlights the dangers of careless and inattentive driving, will return this year.
Renewed Push To Combat Careless Driving And Speeding
The Department for Infrastructure has renewed its partnership with the Northern Ireland Road Safety Partnership (NIRSP) to launch two road safety campaigns. The first campaign, which highlights the dangers of careless and inattentive driving, will return this year.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.