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Learner drivers jailed for driving alone this year

Over 630 people have been fined so far in 2014.

TWO LEARNER DRIVERS were jailed this year for driving alone.

No L-plate holders were jailed for driving without a fully-licenced driver being present last year, but one person was imprisoned for this reason in 2012.

From January – October 2014, 632 learner drivers received fines for driving unaccompanied.

Some 660 and 674 drivers were fined for the same reason in 2013 and 2012 respectively.

Nobody received both a fine and imprisonment.

The figures were recently released by Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald, in response to a parliamentary question asked by Fianna Fáil Deputy Timmy Dooley.

Fitzgerald said she has been informed by An Garda Síochána that ’Operation Learner Driver’ is conducted regularly with a particular focus on learner permit holders “with a view to ensuring compliance with the conditions of holding such a permit, as well as improved road safety generally”.

“I understand that this operation was conducted on a quarterly basis during 2014 and that targeted enforcement measures with respect to learner drivers will continue to be applied into the future,” the minister stated.

Here’s everything you can get penalty points for from today

11 driving sins that should automatically earn you a novice plate

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Órla Ryan
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