Motorists are being warned 14 more traffic offences will get them penalty points from today.

Transport Minister Paschal Donohoe has unveiled changes which will see unaccompanied learner drivers given points on their licence for the first time, as well as learners or novices who don't display their special plates.

The changes will also increase the number of points applied for 9 offences already on the list, including dangerous overtaking and failing to obey a stop sign or traffic lights.

AA spokesman Conor Faughnan says enforcement is key:

Minister Paschal Donohoe spoke to Newstalk Breakfast this morning, particularly about the regulations surrounding the NCT test:

 

John Wilson, a member of Justice4All and a garda whistleblower, spoke to Jonathan Healy on Lunchtime today about the new penalty points:

Meanwhile, Fianna Fáil is calling for the introudction of penalty points for no NCT - to be delayed - until testing backlogs are cleared.

Motorists caught by Gardai driving without a valid cert can now accept a fine and three points on the roadside instead of a court appearance.

However there are reports of lengthy delays for test appointments at some of the 47 NCT centres around the country.

Brian Farrell from the Road Safety Authority which operates the centres says motorists seeking urgent tests should book appointments by phone:

What do Dublin's taxi drivers make of the new measures?