Over 1,200 people caught speeding since Thursday

Ellen O'Donoghue

Over 1,200 people have been caught speeding since Thursday morning.

It comes as part of a Garda Roads Policing operation for the May bank holiday weekend, which runs until Tuesday.

Close to 110 drivers were also detected holding a mobile phone or not wearing a seatbelt.

The number of fatalities on Irish roads this year so far is 55.

Gardaí have said they are conducting both statutory mandatory intoxicant testing (MIT) and regular checkpoints over the course of the weekend.

48 people have been arrested so far since Thursday for driving under the influence.

Notable speeds detected on Friday include:

• 82km/h in a 50km/h zone on the R180 Mount Brown, Dublin 8
• 90 km/h in a 60km/hr zone on the N4, Carrick On Shannon, Co. Roscommon
• 147 km/h in an 80km/hr zone on the R245, Milford, Co. Donegal
• 141 km/h in a 100km/hr zone on the N25, Ballyadam, Co. Cork

An Garda Síochána and the Road Safety Authority (RSA) have urged all road users to support their efforts to keep them and all others on the roads safe over the bank holiday weekend.

"Gardaí will be placing a particular emphasis on detecting those driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs this weekend. At no point is it safe or acceptable to get behind the wheel of a vehicle after having an intoxicant like alcohol or drugs," a garda statement said.

Gardaí have also urged road users to take extra caution around vulnerable road users, in particular pedestrians and cyclists.

"Motorists are reminded to always drive within the speed limit. Always wear a seatbelt and never use a mobile phone when driving. Keep distractions out of the vehicle and put your full attention on the road," the garda statement continued.

Walking home or cycling under the influence of alcohol or drugs can also put you and other road users at risk, gardaí warned.

Cyclists and pedestrians have been reminded to stay visible and observe their surroundings at all times.