Driver arrested after being reported by several others

A MALE motorist was arrested for dangerous driving after speeding along the hard shoulder at Ballinameesda, Coolbeg and forcing other vehicles onto the opposite side of the road.

Gardai in Wicklow, Bray and Arklow all received calls from concerned motorists alerting them to a white Volkswagen van driving at speed on the hard shoulder to try avoid a considerable build-up of traffic on Saturday afternoon.

There were also reports that the same vehicle was spotted driving along the median strip at the Ashford bypass, at Barndarrig, and at other locations.

The van was heading southbound and upon reaching Ballinameesda, the male driver moved onto the hard shoulder in an attempt to pass out traffic which was moving slowly at the time. His actions forced other motorists to move their vehicles onto the opposite side of the road to avoid a collision. Gardai from Wicklow town arrived at the scene and witnessed the van driving at high speed on the hard shoulder. At 2.15 p.m. the van was stopped and its owner was arrested and brought to Wicklow Garda Station for questioning.

A Garda spokesperson said charges will follow.