Lawless Says The RSA Is "Not Working" As Government Plans To Split Safety And Operations

Wednesday, 23 October 2024 09:49

By Martin Osborne

Fees for driving licenses and car tests could be increased.

The government plans to disband the Road Safety Authority (RSA) before the upcoming election, with a new agency taking over operational functions like driving tests and NCT coordination.

Kildare North TD and Minister of State at the Department of Transport, James Lawless, says the RSA's current model is ineffective, with road safety and operational issues competing for attention.

The running of driving tests and coordinating the NCT are expected to be run by a new agency

While the RSA’s safety advocacy is expected to be handled by a new, exchequer-funded body.

Meanwhile, fees for driving licenses and car tests could be increased.

The review into the RSA advised it's necessary in order to fund road safety.

Sinn Féin spokesperson for Transport, John Brady TD, said hikes would punish ordinary drivers.

“The Road Safety Association requires both adequate funding and oversight. Today’s external report on the RSA has outlined severe funding concerns for the organisation, but it is not up to ordinary drivers to plug that funding gap.," he said.

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