New rules may offer drivers the option to pay a double fine to avoid a court appearance in penalty point cases. 

The Irish Examiner reports the government is considering the move to cut down on the amount of people avoiding penalty points in court.

On average 77 per cent of drivers who recieved summonses were not convicted, with many claiming they never recieved the penalty points notice.

The option of a double payment would arrive with the summons, cutting out this excuse for many.