St Eejit’s Day

Driver caught doing 230kph over bank hol

Gardai clocked a driver travelling at 230kph on a motorway during a Bank Holiday Weekend.

The extraordinary speed was detected on the M1 in Balgatheran, Drogheda, Co Louth.

The motorist was one of among thousands caught speeding over the St Brigid’s Day Bank Holiday Weekend during an extensive Garda Roads Policing Operation, which began on Thursday February 1 to Thursday February 6.

Gardai confirmed two road fatalities during this period as well as 11 serious collisions, resulting in 12 people receiving serious and lifethreatening injuries.

Chief Superintendent Jane Humphries of the Garda National

Roads Policing Bureau said: “Enforcing road traffic laws is core element of road safety and so too is our work to raise awareness among all ages.

“We all have a personal responsibility to prevent road fatalities and serious injury road traffic collisions, and we must work together.”

During the Bank Holiday period, over 898 Mandatory Intoxicant Testing checkpoints, with more than 4,780 roadside drug and alcohol tests conducted.

This lead to 161 arrests for driving under the influence of an intoxicant.

Among almost 3,000 drivers caught speeding throughout the weekend, notable top speeds included 99kph in a 50kph zone on Cork Street in Dublin 8, 143kph in a 60kph zone on the R700 in Knockavilla, New Ross, Co Wexford and 153kph in a 100kph zone on the N61 in Carrownalassan, Co Roscommon.

Over 110 motorists caught using mobile phones while driving were issued fixed charges, as well as 215 unaccompanied learner drivers, and 61 drivers with no seatbelts.

Additionally, in excess of 100 vehicles were seized from learner permit holders driving unaccompanied.