NI: Lack of progress on specialist Traffic Court criticised by justice watchdog

NI: Lack of progress on specialist Traffic Court criticised by justice watchdog

The lack of progress on establishing a specialist Traffic Court in Northern Ireland has been criticised by the criminal justice watchdog.

Jacqui Durkin, chief inspector of criminal justice, said she was disappointed that the court “has not at least been piloted”.

The establishment of a specialist court was one of five strategic recommendations issued by the inspectorate in 2016 to improve road safety and the enforcement of road traffic laws.

A follow-up review has found that only two of the five recommendations have been fully achieved, including the reinstatement in August 2017 of mutual recognition of driving disqualifications north and south of the border.

Ms Durkin said: “I welcome the mutual recognition of disqualified drivers in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland along with the greater use of technology by PSNI officers to detect uninsured drivers, and Driver and Vehicle Agency enforcement staff to ensure those using the road network for work or business purposes, do so legally.

“However more can still be done and I am disappointed a recommendation to set up a specialist Traffic Court in Northern Ireland has not at least been piloted.”

Ms Durkin also voiced her support for PSNI and An Garda Síochána officers to have automatic access to each other’s records to help identify disqualified drivers who may be driving in the neighbouring jurisdiction.

“Effective legislative change and law enforcement are required, together with ongoing driver education and public awareness, to deliver better road safety for all,” she concluded.

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