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Minister for Transport Shane Ross has confirmed that 2019 will see the introduction of a graduated speeding fines system. Similar to that already in place in other countries, Australia and New Zealand notable among them, the new system will see higher fines for higher speed.
Speaking to TheJournal.ie Mr Ross confirmed that legislation to amend the Road Traffic Act will be brought forward and that he doesn't expect any major delays to its introduction. The amendments will be brought forward by Christmas and Mr Ross sees this as a direct follow up to recent efforts to clamp down on drink-driving.
"Speeding is next. It is as big a killer as alcohol and we will be introducing speeding legislation. I hope we will have a general scheme before Christmas" Mr Ross told TheJournal.ie.
Previous plans which would have seen higher fines for those on higher salaries came in for criticism from those who said that it would see some citizens treated differently under the law.
The crack down on speeding is not likely to run into such objections, however, and Mr Ross has plans to make the crackdown even more stringent - instant driving bans for first-time offenders, if the speed is hugely in excess of the limit, are likely to form part of the new legislation.