Stricter fines suggested for drunk driving and speeding

STRICTER fines for speeding and drunk driving were suggested at the House Communications and House Legal Affairs Committees yesterday.

“We’ll be looking to fine people, depending on the seriousness of the offence,” said House Legal Affairs Committee head Ionas Nicolaou, who added the proposals are currently being discussed with the police.

According to Nicolaou, the aim of the new regulations are to cut down on the number of cases being sent to court.

“For example, when a driver’s been breathalysed and has 35 microgrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath then they will be fined €100,” said Nicolaou. The limit is 22 microgrammes to every 100 millilitres of breath.

This is equal to three glasses of wine, he said.

If drivers are found to have 35 to 55 microgrammes of alcohol on their breath, they would be fined €200 and have two points added to their licence. If they are discovered with 56 to 70 microgrammes of alcohol on their breath they would be fined €300 and have three points added to their license.

Also, if someone is driving over the speed limit by 30 per cent they will be fined €1 for every kilometre over the speed limit, €2 from 31 to 50 per cent over as well as two points on their licence, and €3 and three points from 50 to 70 per cent over the limit.

Nicolaou stressed the fines are lower than the figures imposed by the courts but the point is to impose them immediately and in this way the driver can fully recognise the seriousness of the offence. “They will comprehend the seriousness of the offence instead of having to wait a year or two to go to court,” he added.

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