LEARNER drivers in
Inishowen have been warned they can be prosecuted in
the North for not having a licence.
The issue was raised by a Donegal North East deputy
after a provisional licence holder from the county
was prosecuted recently across the border.
Deputy Joe McHugh has now called for an overhaul of
the licensing system, North and South of the border
and the introduction of an all-Ireland learner’s
permit. "This young person, who was prosecuted in a
Northern Irish court, would not have been prosecuted
had he been stopped south of the border.
"It is ridiculous that two different sets of laws
exist within the island of Ireland. Drivers living
in border areas fail to recognise that there are
different laws on the roads just minutes from their
homes and who can blame them?" he asked.
He said his proposal would see every 'L' driver on
the island issued with a learner’s permit. These
young drivers would also have to take five mandatory
driving lessons before sitting their test.
"As things stand, provisional drivers on both sides
of the border cannot cross the border, even with a
fully licenced driver supervising them. Where is the
mutual co-operation spirit of the Belfast Agreement
here?
“Everyone in this country has seen the devastation
caused by road carnage and the authorities in both
jurisdictions must tackle this problem together.
By introducing laws applicable to the whole island,
both Governments have a chance to reduce the carnage
on our roads. An all-Ireland learner’s permit would
help do just this by stopping the confusion
surrounding provisional license rules and helping in
the fight against road deaths," added the Fine Gael
deputy. |
