Banned drivers rule is brought in

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/northern_ireland/8484279.stm

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A new law to keep disqualified drivers off UK and Irish roads comes into force on Thursday.

It follows an agreement between the British, Irish and Northern Ireland ministers.

As a result UK drivers disqualified for serious motoring offences in the Irish Republic will no longer escape punishment when they return home.

Similarly, disqualifications earned by Irish drivers while in the UK will be enforced when they return to Ireland.

The new law is the first practical step to recognise driving disqualifications in Europe under the terms of the 1998 European Convention on driving disqualifications.

UK Road Safety Minister Paul Clark said: "We need to continue to work to make our roads even safer and if a UK driver commits a serious offence while in Ireland it is right that their ban should still apply when they return home.

"From today this new law will ensure that disqualified drivers are not able to escape their punishment and so keep dangerous drivers off the roads."