Motorists could be facing a new €50 fine if they fail to carry emergency roadside equipment such as high-visibility vests and first-aid kits.

The Garda Commissioner has proposed the creation of a new road traffic offence with on the spot fines to penalise drivers who fail to carry these items in their cars while driving.

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The items would cost Irish drivers around €40-50.

The mandatory requirement of emergency packs is intended to improving road safety, particularly in rural areas where emergency services struggle to reach collisions in a timely manner.

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As part of this, the Garda Commissioner asked to comment no this and, in the correspondence released to RTÉ, her office recommended Ireland should introduce legislation to make it compulsory to carry emergency packs in cars.

The new rule would be similar to that in France.

It is understood that penalty points could be considered at a later stage to help with enforcement, the office added.

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