A deal to keep disqualified drivers off UK and Irish roads will come into force in February, 2010, road safety minister Paul Clark has announced.

UK drivers disqualified for an offence in the Republic of Ireland will no longer escape that punishment when they return home. Likewise, disqualifications earned by Irish drivers while in the UK will be recognised and enforced when they return to Ireland.

The measures are the result of a deal agreed between the British, Irish and Northern Ireland ministers and represent the first practical step of its kind in Europe.

Clark said: "Britain has one of the best road safety records in the world but we need to do everything we can to improve even further.

“If a UK driver commits a serious offence while in Ireland their ban should still apply when they return home.

"These measures will keep dangerous drivers off our roads by ensuring that disqualified drivers are not able to escape their punishment."

The agreement was the first to be drawn up under the terms of the 1998 European Convention on driving disqualifications.

The United Kingdom has made a formal declaration to the EU Council to enable the mutual recognition of driving disqualifications with Ireland from February 2010.The EU will confirm the exact date of implementation.