‘Double fine’ option for road traffic offences begins

Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald has today commenced the Courts Act 2017, which will provide a third payment option for road traffic offences.

The ‘double fine’ option will lead to “an increase in payment rates and reduction in the volume of road traffic offence cases proceeding to court”, she said.

Ms Fitzgerald explained: “Up to 1 June 2017, a Fixed Charge Notice offence afforded two payment options before a summons was issued requiring a person to attend court.

“A first period of 28 days during which the person may pay the fixed charge amount, followed by a second period of 28 days, during which the person may pay the fixed charge amount plus 50 per cent.

“The third payment option will allow for the payment of the fixed charge amount plus 100 per cent from time of summons service up to 7 days before the date of their court appearance.

“So if a person takes up the third payment option, proceedings will be discontinued and they will not have to attend court.”

The legislation will close a purported “loophole” under which persons appearing in court who state they did not receive the original notice often have their case dismissed.

The Courts Service of Ireland has estimated that around 7,500 cases are dismissed on these grounds every year.