Road Traffic Law

The third edition of this book attempts with its two volumes, within narrow confines, to state in outline the present law on Road Traffic in the Republic of Ireland. It is not possible to deal with its exhaustively, as to do so would result in a three volume tome unsuited to the available market. Concentration is on Irish statute law and case law. Civil liability is not dealt with. The Irish law deals with this masterful servant, known to the law as "the mechanically propelled vehicle", by an interlocking series of controls and enforcement provisions. It seeks to govern who can drive and how he or she does it; also the vehicle used; the manner and place where it is used. These controls are reinforced by stringent enforcement provisions and supplemented by an insurance system to compensate victims of so-called road "accidents". This field of law is one of the most dynamic fields in modern times. Dealing as it does with an area of often apparently conflicting objectives, it must be flexible in its operation. At present there are ten Acts covering the period from 1961 to 2003 and much delegated legislation. Considerable case law also exists. I have added in more Northern Ireland cases in this edition as they seem to be in tune with the Republic's interpretation of Road Traffic Law. The changing nature of the law makes it difficult to produce a book of long lasting value. There is a view, however, that a modern book is better than none. It is hoped that the busy lawyer, administrator or Garda searching for a reference, may be helped by this one. The law is stated, as far as possible, unless otherwise stated, as at January 1, 2004. The author admits his increased apprehension that he has missed material or over-abridged it. The enactment of the 2003 Act in November 2003 resulted in some delay in printing of this book. I can only hope the necessary amendments are all in, in this book which was in the course of preparation for printing at the time.Pierse, Robert is the author of 'Road Traffic Law', published 2004 under ISBN 9781904480143 and ISBN 1904480144.