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Belfast Telegraph
17 hours ago
- Belfast Telegraph
Criminal gang linked to fake licences were also selling bogus road certificates
And it has further emerged that several dissident republicans from west Belfast have been identified as being behind the fake licences scandal. Last week, we revealed how a criminal investigation had been opened into a worrying racket which saw around 80 fake licences revoked following claims they had been obtained without the drivers having to sit the test. Now it has emerged that as well as dodgy driving licences being allegedly 'bought', drivers were also able to purchase an MOT certificate for cars that were never even put through the rigorous MOT test. It means not only were there scores of illegal drivers who potentially may never have even taken a lesson let alone a driving test on the roads of Northern Ireland, but there may have been dozens of cars not fit for purpose out there too. Last week, Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins said she was 'extremely concerned' by the revelations. Speaking at Stormont, the Sinn Féin MLA did not provide further details on the extent of the alleged fraud. 'There is a legal investigation. I think it would be remiss of me to comment on that, to allow that process to take its course,' she said. 'But obviously I'm extremely concerned to learn about that and I hope that we see a conclusion to that very quickly.' The Sunday World has uncovered further details about the scam including how the gang began operating towards the end of the Covid-19 pandemic. 'This was a well thought-out criminal enterprise which exploited the restrictions of the pandemic,' said a source. 'When people weren't allowed to leave their houses and everything went online there was an opportunity to exploit the DVA licence system. 'But it wasn't just driving licences – fake MOTs could be bought for £150. It was all about knowing the right people who could pull the strings.' Several of those who availed of the service came from the Lenadoon area of west Belfast and sources have told the Sunday World some of them had criminal backgrounds and some were known dissident republicans. However, those benefiting from the fake licences weren't restricted to west Belfast and were mostly living in the greater Belfast area. As revealed last week, one person from the DVA has been removed from their position as a result of the discovery of the scam. As well as a police investigation, the DVA have opened their own internal investigation into how the scam was carried out under their noses. In fact, they have even set up an internal investigations unit and made it clear to staff working for them that they are duty-bound to report any suspicious activity. Last Tuesday, the DUP's Deborah Erskine, chair of the Assembly's infrastructure committee, said the 'implications for road safety are huge'. 'Effectively that means that, right now in Northern Ireland, there are potentially people who are driving with a licence without having sat their test,' she told the Assembly. She also said it was 'important that assurances are given immediately to the A ssembly and to the public on how it is being handled'. A Department for Infrastructure official told the Sunday World last week: 'As this matter is subject to a PSNI investigation we cannot comment at this time.' A PSNI spokesperson told us: 'Police are investigating a number of alleged fraud offences in relation to the issuing of driving licences. We are working closely with officials from DVA and as the investigation is ongoing, it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time.' In the last few weeks the DVA has been sending out letters to people they suspect may have obtained their licence fraudulently – telling them they must send them back and reapply to do the driving test again. And we understand some drivers have already reapplied and passed the test. Our source said they were not required to sit the theory test. 'It's no wonder they were able to get a licence again so quickly as they have been driving without doing a driving test for so long,' the source said. 'They've had plenty of practice.' The letter stated: 'The Department is not satisfied that the test pass certificate (certificate number) issued to you on (date in May 2024) was validly obtained by you. 'Therefore, the department is not satisfied that you have passed a test of competence as required by the provisions of Article 5 of the Road Traffic Northern Ireland Order 1981 and in those circumstances the Department may not grant you a full driving licence. 'The Department is therefore satisfied that the full driving licence issued to you on (date in May 2024) was issued in error and hereby notifies you... your Northern Ireland driving licence is revoked with effect from five working days after the date shown above.' Those receiving the letters were told they must surrender both parts of their licence within seven days and were advised to use registered post and retain proof of postage. The letter states: 'Failure to surrender a licence without reasonable excuse as an offence, punishable by a fine of up to £1,000. If you fail to surrender your driving licence as directed DVA may contact the PSNI who will be asked to recover the licence. 'You should be aware that it is an offence to retain or use either or both parts of a licence which has been declared lost or stolen.' They were further informed if they want a replacement licence they would have to apply for it from the beginning including the fees. And they warned: 'You should be aware that you're only entitled to hold a provisional driving licence.'
Sunday World
2 days ago
- Sunday World
Criminal gang linked to fake licences were also selling bogus road certificates
Huge implications for public safety as it emerges scores of motorists have no licences or road-worthy cars A criminal gang rumbled for running a 'cash-for-licence' driving scam were also offering fake MOT (Ministrt of Transport) certificates, we can reveal. And it has further emerged that several dissident republicans from west Belfast have been identified as being behind the fake licences scandal. Last week, we revealed how a criminal investigation had been opened into a worrying racket which saw around 80 fake licences revoked following claims they had been obtained without the drivers having to sit the test. Now it has emerged that as well as dodgy driving licences being allegedly 'bought', drivers were also able to purchase an MOT certificate for cars that were never even put through the rigorous MOT test. Mechanic examining under the car at the repair garage. Low angle view. High quality photo News in 90 Seconds - May 31st It means not only were there scores of illegal drivers who potentially may never have even taken a lesson let alone a driving test on the roads of Northern Ireland, but there may have been dozens of cars not fit for purpose out there too. Last week, Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins said she was 'extremely concerned' by the revelations. Speaking at Stormont, the Sinn Féin MLA did not provide further details on the extent of the alleged fraud. 'There is a legal investigation. I think it would be remiss of me to comment on that, to allow that process to take its course,' she said. 'But obviously I'm extremely concerned to learn about that and I hope that we see a conclusion to that very quickly.' The Sunday World has uncovered further details about the scam including how the gang began operating towards the end of the Covid-19 pandemic. Liz Kimmins. Photo: Pacemaker 'This was a well thought-out criminal enterprise which exploited the restrictions of the pandemic,' said a source. 'When people weren't allowed to leave their houses and everything went online there was an opportunity to exploit the DVA licence system. 'But it wasn't just driving licences – fake MOTs could be bought for £150. It was all about knowing the right people who could pull the strings.' Several of those who availed of the service came from the Lenadoon area of west Belfast and sources have told the Sunday World some of them had criminal backgrounds and some were known dissident republicans. However, those benefiting from the fake licences weren't restricted to west Belfast and were mostly living in the greater Belfast area. As revealed last week, one person from the DVA has been removed from their position as a result of the discovery of the scam. As well as a police investigation, the DVA have opened their own internal investigation into how the scam was carried out under their noses. In fact, they have even set up an internal investigations unit and made it clear to staff working for them that they are duty-bound to report any suspicious activity. Last Tuesday, the DUP's Deborah Erskine, chair of the Assembly's infrastructure committee, said the 'implications for road safety are huge'. 'Effectively that means that, right now in Northern Ireland, there are potentially people who are driving with a licence without having sat their test,' she told the Assembly. DUP's Deborah Erskine. Photo: Liam McBurney/PA Images via Getty She also said it was 'important that assurances are given immediately to the A ssembly and to the public on how it is being handled'. A Department for Infrastructure official told the Sunday World last week: 'As this matter is subject to a PSNI investigation we cannot comment at this time.' A PSNI spokesperson told us: 'Police are investigating a number of alleged fraud offences in relation to the issuing of driving licences. We are working closely with officials from DVA and as the investigation is ongoing, it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time.' In the last few weeks the DVA has been sending out letters to people they suspect may have obtained their licence fraudulently – telling them they must send them back and reapply to do the driving test again. And we understand some drivers have already reapplied and passed the test. Our source said they were not required to sit the theory test. 'It's no wonder they were able to get a licence again so quickly as they have been driving without doing a driving test for so long,' the source said. 'They've had plenty of practice.' The letter stated: 'The Department is not satisfied that the test pass certificate (certificate number) issued to you on (date in May 2024) was validly obtained by you. 'Therefore, the department is not satisfied that you have passed a test of competence as required by the provisions of Article 5 of the Road Traffic Northern Ireland Order 1981 and in those circumstances the Department may not grant you a full driving licence. 'The Department is therefore satisfied that the full driving licence issued to you on (date in May 2024) was issued in error and hereby notifies you... your Northern Ireland driving licence is revoked with effect from five working days after the date shown above.' Those receiving the letters were told they must surrender both parts of their licence within seven days and were advised to use registered post and retain proof of postage. The letter states: 'Failure to surrender a licence without reasonable excuse as an offence, punishable by a fine of up to £1,000. If you fail to surrender your driving licence as directed DVA may contact the PSNI who will be asked to recover the licence. 'You should be aware that it is an offence to retain or use either or both parts of a licence which has been declared lost or stolen.' They were further informed if they want a replacement licence they would have to apply for it from the beginning including the fees. And they warned: 'You should be aware that you're only entitled to hold a provisional driving licence.'
The Irish Sun
3 days ago
- Business
- The Irish Sun
‘The pandemic is over' cry fuming Irish Rail passengers as they demand return of popular service
SOME Irish Rail passengers are demanding the return of a popular service that has not returned since the pandemic. Trolley services on Irish Advertisement 1 Irish Rail passengers are demanding the return of trolley services Credit: Alamy Once featured on trains across the country, the trolley offered hot drinks, snacks and However, in March 2020 the service was suspended due to the pandemic. And several years on, the majority of train routes still remain without the trolley services. Taking to Advertisement READ MORE IN TRAVEL She said: 'The pandemic is over. Bring back the café and trolley services on the rest of the trains, please' The Cork to By May of that year, the service was operating on all weekday and Sunday trains between the two cities. The Dublin to Advertisement Most read in News Travel Yet beyond those two routes, the trolley remains absent from much of Ireland's rail network. Passengers on routes such as Galway, Limerick, 'It's very important' - Ryanair's 'baggage sizers' warning to Irish passengers ahead of busy Easter break amid €75 fine In 2022, the previous provider RailGourmet withdrew from the contract due to rising costs and difficulties in maintaining staffing levels. This had left Irish Rail without a catering operator until the service returned on some long-haul routes. Advertisement Irish Rail had previously said it plans to bring catering back to all Intercity routes by the end of 2024, but this is yet to come into effect. Meanwhile, a major change at the island of Ireland's largest train station that's "bigger than two football pitches" is set to come into effect in months. Grand Central Station in The new move comes after criticism from the Irish language community that the station, opened in September last year, did not include any Irish language signage. Advertisement Minister Liz Kimmins has said that bilingual displays would include signage on ticket vending machines and passenger information. She announced the new move in the The minister said: "I am committed to the visibility and promotion of Irish language across public services and in our society. "Grand Central Station is not just for the people of Belfast, it is a transport hub for people right across the island and it's important therefore that it is reflective of all citizens. Advertisement "I've therefore taken the decision to install bilingual signage in Belfast Grand Central Station, and on all Translink's ticket vending machines. "This is an important and positive development to demonstrate my support for the Irish language as a living language, which is used daily by citizens across the north."
The Independent
4 days ago
- Health
- The Independent
Almost 300 killed or badly hurt by speeding drivers in N Ireland in four years
Almost 300 people have been killed or seriously injured by speeding drivers across Northern Ireland in recent years. From 2019 to 2023, 30 people were killed and 267 people were seriously hurt in collisions caused by speeding. According to the figures from the Department for Infrastructure, young people, aged between 16 and 24, accounted for 41% of those killed or seriously injured due to speeding in that time, while males accounted for 64%. They also show 70% of serious speeding collisions happened on rural roads, and that males were responsible for over three-quarters (77%). The Newry, Mourne and Down local government district had the highest annual rate (6.5) of speeding casualties per 100,000 resident population, while Belfast had the lowest (1). Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins described the figures as a 'sad and stark reminder to us all of the human cost of speeding' and urged a change in behaviour on the roads. 'Too many people are affected by serious road traffic collisions in our communities,' she said. 'Sadly, these figures show that young people and males are disproportionately affected – our children, among them our brothers, fathers and sons. ' One of the best ways to fulfil our long-term goal of eliminating death and serious injury by 2050 is by changing road user behaviour. 'We must all slow down and take better care on our roads. 'Today's figures are another sad and stark reminder of the importance of reducing our speed as road users because this will in turn help to reduce the number of families devastated by serious road traffic collisions.' DUP MLA Deborah Erskine, who chairs the Assembly Infrastructure Committee, said the figures should provoke a more co-ordinated approach to making our roads safer. 'These statistics make for sobering reading,' she said. 'Behind each of these figures is a family left grieving or a person living with life-altering injuries. My thoughts are with all those who have suffered loss or trauma. 'As chair of the Infrastructure Committee, I am calling for greater urgency and coordination between the minister and all stakeholders, including the PSNI. 'Tackling speeding must be a strategic priority, not just a policing issue, with a cross-departmental approach, involving education and enforcement. One death on our roads is one too many. 'There is a role for all of us. Slowing down, staying alert, and respecting other road users are basic responsibilities that save lives. We need to change attitudes, especially among those who see speed as a measure of confidence or skill. It isn't – it is a killer.'
Belfast Telegraph
4 days ago
- Belfast Telegraph
Almost 300 people killed or seriously injured on NI roads due to speeding over five years
The Killed and Seriously Injured (KSI) casualties caused by excessive speed statistics were published by the Executive Office today and cover the period from 2019 to 2023. According to the figures 297 people were killed or seriously injured in collisions caused by speeding during that period. Of these 30 (10%) people were killed and 267 (90%) people were seriously injured. The figures also reveal that speed-related casualties have fallen sharply, down 76% compared to the period from 2004 to 2008. The 297 people killed or seriously injured represent a small percentage (7%) of all road traffic collision casualties. Men were responsible for 77% of KSI incidents caused by speeding, while drivers aged 17 to 24 accounted for 43% of those serious collisions. Speeding-related KSI incidents were more likely to occur in the evenings or at weekends, with 37% taking place over the weekend and 36% happening between 4pm and 10pm. Seven-tenths (70%) of speeding KSI collisions occurred on rural roads. Newry, Mourne and Down recorded the highest annual rate of speeding-related KSI casualties, at 6.5 per 100,000 residents, while Belfast reported the lowest, at just 1.0. Reacting to the new statistics, Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins said: "Too many people are affected by serious road traffic collisions in our communities. "Sadly, these figures show that young people and males are disproportionately affected - our children, among them our brothers, fathers and sons. Watch: AVA Festival returns to Belfast "One of the best ways to fulfil our long-term goal of eliminating death and serious injury by 2050, is by changing road user behaviour. We must all slow down and take better care on our roads. "Today's figures are another sad and stark reminder of the importance of reducing our speed as road users because this will in turn help to reduce the number of families devastated by serious road traffic collisions."
