Disqualified motorist legislation passed in UK and Ireland

Date: 29/1/2010

A new law is to come into force today (January 28th) to prevent disqualified motorists from driving in the UK and Ireland.

Under the new regulation, UK drivers disqualified for motoring offences in Ireland will not be able to escape punishment when they return home.

In the same way, Irish drivers disqualified in the UK will have their punishment upheld when they return to Ireland.

It is hoped the move with make roads even safer.

Road safety minister Paul Clark commented on the new legislation: "From today this new law will ensure that disqualified drivers are not able to escape their punishment and so keep dangerous drivers off the roads."

According to the Department for Transport, the change is the first step towards recognising driving disqualifications in Europe under the 1998 European Convention on driving disqualifications.

Behaviour included under the convention includes reckless or dangerous driving, hit and run driving, speeding and driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

In other news from the Department of Transport, Sir Brian Briscoe has been appointed the new chairman of the company established to advice on the development of high-speed rail services.