Killarney

By John Healy of Healy Insurances
<h3>Drivers caught speeding, using a mobile phone whilst&nbsp;driving, or not wearing seat belts will now pay double the fine amount.</h3>
The increases were announced by the Minister for State at the Department of Transport, Hildegarde Naughton. The fines that are doubling include speeding from &euro;80 to &euro;160, mobile phone use from &euro;60 to &euro;120, non-wearing of seatbelts from &euro;60 to &euro;120 and failing to ensure that a child is properly restrained rising from &euro;60 to &euro;120.
Fines relating to offences committed by learners and novice drivers are also increasing. The fines for a learner permit holder driving a vehicle unaccompanied by a qualified person will increase from &euro;80 to &euro;160. The fine for novice drivers not displaying &lsquo;L&rsquo; or &lsquo;N&rsquo; plates (or tabards in the case of motorcyclists) will double to &euro;120.
Minister Hildegarde Naughton also announced that three new Fixed Charge Notices would come into force in the New Year.
These relate to the misuse of a disabled parking permit (&euro;200). Illegally parking in an electric charging bay (&euro;80) and breaching an HGV ban and entering a specified public road without a valid permit (&euro;200).
Liz O&rsquo;Donnell, Chairperson of the Road Safety Authority, said the fines continue to increase if not paid within 28 days.
&#8220;In addition to the fines it is worth remembering that the choice to speed, use a mobile phone while driving or not properly restrain a child could lead to you losing your licence,&rdquo; she said.
&#8220;If you are detected speeding you will receive three penalty points on your licence, if you get 12 penalty points in three years you will be disqualified for six months.
&#8220;A lower threshold of seven points applies for learner and novice drivers.&rdquo;
If you have penalty points imposed, you should bring this to the attention of your motor insurer.

Fines for 16 Road Safety offences to double

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