Coach drivers disqualified for an offence in the Republic of Ireland could soon find their punishment upheld in the UK.

New regulations unveiled in parliament today (November 25th) will ensure that disqualifications are enforced across Britain, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

Road safety minister Jim Fitzpatrick said: “Britain has one of the best road safety records in the world but we need to do everything we can to improve even further.

“These measures will keep dangerous drivers off our roads by ensuring that disqualified drivers are not able to escape their punishment.”

It is hoped that new regulations will be in place in each of the three legal systems by spring 2009.

The government unveiled new proposals earlier this month to introduce a higher fixed penalty of six points for drivers breaking the speeding limit by a large margin.

Proposals also included plans to make careless driving a fixed penalty offence, leaving those caught facing a £60 fine or three penalty points.