One area of government revenue collection that is way above budget is the income from traffic fines, up an impressive 96% this January compared to last.
The nation’s motorists selflessly contributed €11.7 million in the first month of the year compared to just €6 million a year ago.
The rise has come about mainly by the issuing of more tickets, also collection methods have become more efficient and the level of fines has risen for many violations.
According to data from the National Road Safety Authority in January this year there were 112,708 tickets issued, an impressive 31.8% rise on the 85,482 in January 2014.
"We have noted a greater propensity for voluntary payment by offenders, as well as greater efficiency in the collection process," according to the Authority.
Police sources claim that the number of roadside inspections has been the same as last year and that they had not been given any orders to stop a higher number of motorists this year, in fact the GNR say there was a slight decrease in the number of fines issued.
The main reason seems to be the doubling of fines for many common offences which "may help justify the increase in revenue."
