Judges in Kerry have been praised for not allowing convicted motorists avoid penalty points via the poor box.

In some criminal prosecutions, a judge can order the defendant to donate money to a charity of the court’s choice, instead of getting a conviction and being fined or imprisoned.

Department of Justice figures provided to Deputy Michael Murphy show that 459 drivers had their charges dismissed or struck out since 2022 after making a financial contribution.

Kerry is one of the few districts where the practice has been stamped out.

Susan Gray is with the PARC Road Safety Group.