Meath driver caught speeding at nearly 80km/h in a 50 zone
Eva Osborne
A motorist in Kells, Co Meath, was detected driving 78km/h in a 50km/h zone on Saturday.
Other notable speeds were detected as part of the Easter bank holiday weekend road safety operation, including:
- 102 km/h in a 60km/hr zone on the Stillorgan Road, Blackrock, Co Dublin;
- 107 km/h in an 80km/hr zone on the N52, Mounthenry, Birr, Co Offaly;
- 129 km/h in a 100km/hr zone on the N11, Timmore, Newcastle Co Wicklow.
A Garda roads policing operation is taking place throughout the Easter Bank Holiday Weekend. It kicked off on Thursday at 7am and will run until 7am on Tuesday.
During the first 72 hours of the operation, between 7am on Thursday and 7am on Easter Sunday, in excess of 2,100 drivers were detected for speeding offences.
Over 250 people have been detected holding a mobile phone or not wearing a seatbelt in the same timeframe.
Throughout this weekend's roads policing operation, gardaí are conducting both statutory Mandatory Intoxicant Testing (MIT) and regular, high-visibility policing checkpoints.
To date, a total of 98 people were arrested for driving under the influence of an intoxicant (alcohol and drugs).
Gardaí and the Road Safety Authority (RSA) are urging all road users to support their efforts to keep them and all others on the roads safe this Easter weekend.
Gardaí said they will be placing a particular emphasis on detecting those driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs this weekend.
A Garda spokesperson said: "At no point is it safe or acceptable to get behind the wheel of a vehicle after having an intoxicant like alcohol or drugs.
"An Garda Síochána is urging 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.
Walking home or cycling under the influence of alcohol or drugs can also put you and other road users at risk. Cyclists and pedestrians should stay visible and observe their surroundings at all times."
