Tipperary TD Michael Lowry is welcoming a new Garda innovation in Roads Policing. Garda will use an unmarked HGV cab, as used in articulated vehicles, to monitor the behaviour of other HGV drivers and to observe motorists for signs of distracted driving.
Commissioner Drew Harris revealed the measure at this week’s meeting of the Oireachtas Transport Committee Meeting, where the Tipperary Deputy emphasised that safety on roads across the country is a major concern. Deputy Lowry is also welcoming the decision that each member of the Gardaí would spend 30 minutes per shift on road policing.
Data from this week’s Joint Policing Committee meeting shows that the number of offences for Mobile phone use while driving is down by 2% from 151 incidents to 148 between Jan 1st and May 7th this year, incidents of failing to wear a seatbelt are down by 28% from 86 to 62 and incidents of speeding in the Tipperary District are down by 17% 3,808 incidents in the same period last year to 3,142 up to May 7th.
The Thurles based TD also called for investment in a new vehicles for the Gardaí as he highlighted that a large number of the current Garda Fleet, of over 3,000 vehicles, are passed their recommended period of use under current regulations. The TD also wants a dedicated workshop to deal solely with Garda vehicles to ensure a reliable and safe fleet of vehicles for Garda personnel.
