The Road Traffic Bill 2016 has been put on hold.
The idea is to prosecute motorists found using social media apps like Facebook, Twitter and WhatsApp while driving, but any plans for such legislation have now been put on hold.
According to The Irish Times, the plan was set to be brought before the Seanad this week, but there now won’t be enough time to effectively implement the new strategy against social media usage when driving.
In any case, a spokesperson for the Minister for Transport, Pascal Donohoe, says the intention is to very much re-address this issue in the future.
“(the) area of driver distraction caused by electronic devices is one which will need to be revisited. The last primary legislation in this area was in 2006, and technology has advanced a great deal since then.
“The Minister has committed to revisiting this matter in legislation,” the spokesperson added.
“The department is consulting further with An Garda Síochána on the best way forward, including consideration of the measures necessary to ensure that the gardaí have the necessary powers to enforce any new measures effectively.”
Although the penalty of driving while texting has been in legislation since May 2014, there have been various loopholes (such as using a hands-free kit which is not clearly visible to onlookers) that have allowed drivers to escape punishment, while making it very difficult for authorities to stack up enough evidence to charge motorists with this offence.
In the meantime, the Road Traffic Bill 2016 will concentrate on three key measures:
- 20km/hr special speed limit
- Driving while on drugs
- “Mutual recognition of driver disqualification with the UK”
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