More than 2,200 speeders caught in a week in road safety operation

By Jonathan McCambridge, PA

More than 2,200 speeding drivers have been detected in the second week of a Garda Christmas road safety operation.

The enforcement operation began on November 29th and will continue until January 6th.

Gardaí said in the past week there had been three deaths on the roads and 13 serious collisions that resulted in serious injuries.

Since December 6th, they have carried out more 1,940 checkpoints, both statutory mandatory intoxicant testing  and regular, high-visibility policing checkpoints

A spokesperson said 178 people were arrested during this period for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

More than 2,244 drivers were detected for speeding offences.

Top speeds detected include: 121kph in a 50kph zone on the N52, Ardcroney, Co Tipperary, 124kph in a 60kph zone on the N4, Drishoge, Carrick-On-Shannon, Co Roscommon, 184kph in an 80kph zone on the R731, Monamolin, Rathnure, Co Wexford, 165kph in a 100kph zone on the N80, Dysart, Stradbally, Co Laois and 186kph in a 120kph zone on the M1, Donabate, Co Dublin.

More than 500 vehicles were seized for a range of offences, and 329 fixed charge notices were issued for the offence of using a mobile phone while driving.

A spokesperson said: “The Christmas period is one of the busiest on Irish roads.

“It is also one of the periods during which road users are at the highest risk of being involved in a fatal or serious road traffic collision.

“To date, 167 people have lost their lives in road traffic collisions on Irish roads.

“An Garda Siochana is appealing to all those that will be taking to the roads over the Christmas period to slow down, take extra care and to give your driving your full attention.”