New system to report dangerous driving to gardai

Gardai have launched the new ‘ Traffic Watch’ system aimed at reducing the number of road collisions and fatalities in Louth.

The scheme, which encourages reporting of dangerous or reckless driving brings is mooted as a partnership between road users, An Garda Síochána, the National Roads Authority and the Road Safety Authority ‘ together in a united and sustained effort to improve safety on our roads.’

Members of the public can report traffic-related incidents using the Traffic Watch lo-call number1890 205 805.

The incident is then forwarded to the relevant District Officer (Superintendent) for investigation. The District Officer will appoint a member of An Garda Síochána to investigate a Traffic Watch complaint.

An investigating member makes contact with the complainant to:- Establish the complainant’s version of events; establish if there are other witnesses to the alleged incident; discuss the possible actions available, including if the complainant wishes the matter to go court or have the incident dealt with by way of caution, advice or guidance.’

If the person who made the complaint wishes to go to Court, a written statement is taken, and if not and an offence has been disclosed, arrangements are made to have the matter dealt with by way of caution, advice or guidance.

Where an offence is believed to have been disclosed and the complainant wishes to go to Court, a file is submitted to the District Officer who will decide what action, if any, is to be taken. In all instances the complainant will be notified of the outcome of their complaint.