Garda road policing operation for Christmas begins in Cork city

‘HIGH-VISIBILITY’ policing to enforce road traffic legislation is under way in the run-up to Christmas, an inspector in the Cork City Garda Roads Policing Unit has said.

Inspector Gillian Synnott was speaking following the first week of An Garda Síochána’s Christmas and new year road safety enforcement operation, which continues until January 4.

Nationally, gardaí have arrested 143 drivers on suspicion of driving under the influence of an intoxicant in the first week of the operation, Insp Synnott said. More than 40 of these drivers were arrested on suspicion of drug-driving.

An Garda Síochána’s Christmas and new year road safety enforcement operation focuses on the dangers of driving under the influence of an intoxicant, without a seatbelt, speeding, or using a mobile phone while driving.

“We’re up 30 fatalities from last year — we’re at 172 to date [nationally] — however this week, which is week one of the Christmas roads safety campaign, we’ve had zero road deaths which is down on what we had last year,” said Insp Synnott.

From December 1 to December 7, Gardaí have issued thousands of fixed-charge notices to drivers across the country for lifesaver offences.

Fifty were issued for non-compliance with seat belts, 200 for use of a mobile phone while driving, and nearly 1,800 for driving in excess of the speed limit.

“People are still out there taking the risks, unfortunately,” said Insp Synnott.

“We’re asking drivers just to slow down and be aware of all the lifesaver options: Obviously not being on a mobile phone, slow down, wear your seat belt, and adhere to all traffic lights.”

She said she is “concerned” by the number of fatal road accidents that have occurred on Irish roads this year.

The “devastation” caused by a fatal collision is something that haunts loved ones left behind forevermore, she said.

Insp Synnott urged all road users, whatever their mode of transport may be, to stay safe on the roads over the Christmas period. Gardaí, she said, will be conducting checkpoints every day during the operation.

“We’ll be out every day, we’re doing mid checkpoints, we’re doing regular checkpoints, there will be high visibility from An Garda Síochána,” she said.