Penalty points system to be centralised
The authority to cancel penalty points is being centralised - under a range of new reforms to the system. The removal of the power from senior Gardai was among the recommendations contained in a review by the Garda Inspectorate. In future - drivers seeking the cancellation of points will have to make an application to the processing office. The Garda Commissioner has announced an array of changes to the penalty points system - in the wake of a report from the Garda Inspectorate examining its operation. The measures - designed to make it easier to apply for point cancellations - include the removal of the discretionary power to do so from senior officers - with the authority being assigned solely to the Fixed Charge Processing Office in Thurles in Co Tipperary. Drivers will have to use a new cancellation form - available on the Garda.ie website or from the processing office - to apply for the quashing of points. A guide setting out the changes to the process can also be found on the Garda website - while regular audits will be conducted in future. Noirin O'Sullivan says the measures demonstrate the force's commitment to improving the effectiveness and transparency of the penalty points system.