A judge has expressed concern over the number of people driving on the roads without insurance, saying it’s now a matter that needs urgent attention.
Judge James Faughnan raised the matter at Tuam District Court when a large number of defendants appeared before him charged with this offence.
He asked the prosecuting Garda Sergeant to check her files to see what percentage of the cases on her list were for driving without insurance.
She informed him that she estimated that between 25 and 30 per cent on her list were for this offence.
Judge Faughnan said that this was a growing issue that needs more attention. He said Ireland already had the highest percentage of any country in the EU of drivers on the roads without insurance cover, and he was concerned that matters were not improving.
Some of the no-insurance cases which came before him at the January 13 sitting of Tuam Court were straightforward, deliberate cases of not having complied with the law.
Many others involved bureaucratic mix-ups with insurance companies. Judge Faughnan expressed frustration with what he described as the antics of some companies.
His particular ire was directed at companies who demand documentation which is often difficult to acquire.
Another problem which recurs at court sittings is insurance companies cancelling cover without making sure the driver in question is properly informed of this.
Bureaucratic anomalies were offered as a defence in a high percentage of no-insurance cases by defending solicitors.
Obtaining confirmation of policies was also flagged as a serious issue.
A conviction for driving without insurance can have very significant consequences. A fine of up to €5,000 can be imposed and on a first offence a two-year driving disqualification can also be imposed. This moves up to a four-year ban on a second conviction for the offence. For repeat offenders a prison sentence can be imposed.
