The authorities in Ireland continue to focus on enforcement of drivers’ hours rules with road transport operators.

Up to 20^th April more than 30 transport companies have been taken to court this year after breaking the strict rules that apply to driving hours. Fines ranging from €150 to €7,500 plus costs have been imposed on companies and their drivers for failing to take sufficient rest breaks while driving. This is despite fatigue being reported as a factor in one in five deaths on the roads in Ireland. The highest fine of €7,500 plus costs of €615 was inflicted on Irish Bacon Slicers Ltd after they pleaded guilty to an offence in Cork District Court in January.

In 2012 199 companies were prosecuted.