Garda Roads Policing management say it is disappointing that in spite of public awareness campaigns and widespread efforts among both Gardaí and the Road Safety Authority drivers continue to travel at dangerously excessive speeds on Irish roads. The comment comes after the conclusion of a Bank Holiday Weekend roads policing operation.
There were three fatalities and 15 serious collisions took place that resulted in a number of people receiving serious and life-threatening injuries.
Over this Bank Holiday period, Garda arrested 218 people for driving under the influence of an intoxicant. 60 of those were detected between 7am on Monday, 28th October 2024 and 7am on Tuesday, 29th October 2024. More than 40 drivers were arrested for dangerous driving. Over the weekend, over 2,150 drivers were detected for speeding offences. Notable top speeds detected include a driver travelling at 159km per hour in a 100km zone on the N24 at Carrick on Suir.
512 vehicles were seized by Gardaí for a range of offences under the Road Traffic Act, 1961. Fixed Charge Notices were issued to 209 drivers for using their phone, 375 had no tax or insurance, 75 were found not wearing a seatbelt and over 200 drivers received a Fixed Charge Notice for driving unaccompanied as learner drivers.
The Government is to disband the Road Safety Authority and replace it with two separate organisations as it feels that the current situation as regards Road Safety can be significantly improved. One of the new organisations will have Road Safety as it’s sole remit and will be directly funded by the Exchequer – the second organisation will manage all issues relating to Driving Tests, Licenses, Motor Tax and NCT tests.
