Sir, - I noted with interest the variety of sentences passed down by Judge John Brophy in the Dunshaughlin Court on Tuesday, September 15th. Ten drivers were listed. Six of them were driving between 74 and 79 mph in a 60 mph zone (c 17 per cent over the limit). Of these, three were disqualified from driving for two months (almost 9 weeks) and three were disqualified for six weeks. In fact the person driving the fastest, 79 mph, got a six-week disqualification.
Two others, driving at 51 mph in a 30 mph zone, got the least sentences, 28 days, despite the fact that they were driving c. 70 per cent over the limit, presumably in built-up areas.
I agree with the judge that speed is the greatest killer on our roads. However, it could be argued that in areas of dense population the potential to kill is greater. - Yours, etc., Ursula Byrne,
Farney Park,
Sandymount,
Dublin 4.