The Junior Minister of Transport Hildegarde Naughton has announced plans to double the fine for failing to stop at a school warden sign. The fine will increase from €80 to €160.
The announcement comes as the Road Safety Authority and An Garda Síochána call on drivers to watch out for children as they return to school.
The appeal to share the roads safely with returning students was made at the launch of the RSA’s new online Learning Portal, a 3D road safety adventure ahead of the new school year.
The online Learning Portal is aimed at educating primary and secondary school students on road safety in a fun, interactive and safe learning environment, accessible in the classroom and at home.
The new virtual space showcases road safety topics including, the Safe Cross Code, seatbelts, distracted driving, the consequences of drink or drug driving, and speeding.
Speaking at the launch Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Ms. Hildegarde Naughton said: “I recently announced the doubling of fines for key road traffic offences which are putting road users most at risk on our roads. As part of this I also intend to double the fine from €80 to €160 for drivers who fail to stop at a school warden sign. I anticipate this new measure to be in place in the very near future. School wardens are vulnerable road workers. Their job is to keep children safe. But to do this they put themselves at risk every time they step onto the road. They work on all sorts of roads from national routes to small local roads and at times of the day that sees the heaviest traffic. They deserve our respect and a safe working environment. Slow down when in the vicinity of schools, watch out for children and school wardens. Most importantly always heed their directions to stop.”
- To date in 2022, a total of 105 people have died on Irish roads, 17 more than the same period in 2021.
- The RSA’s guidelines for ‘Improving Road Safety Around Schools’ are available here.
- The RSA’s Learning portal, a 3D road safety adventure promotional video can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/UUEMA0PTroE
