Judge aiming to get tough on speeding Mayo drivers

A judge has issued a warning about speeding motorists in Erris.

Judge Fiona Lydon made the remarks following the finalisation of a careless driving case in Belmullet District Court.

The judge said she is concerned about the manner of driving in the Belmullet area and plans to get tough on cases that come before her court.

“The speed on the roads out of here (Belmullet) are not conducive to the conditions on the ground,” said Judge Lydon.

“This in my mind going forward,” she added.

She urged the local community to take greater care on the roads.

“Your life is precious but so are all other road users,” Judge Lydon remarked.

Thirteen people have lost their lives on Mayo roads so far in 2024. Twelve people were killed on roads in the county during the whole of 2023. Ireland is on course to record 200 road deaths for the first time in almost 15 years.

Insp David Tiernan, Head of the Roads Policing Unit in Mayo, said speeding is an issue on roads all over the county and country.
"It's as big an issue in Mayo as it is everwhere else," said Insp Tiernan. He said he hoped new speed limits set to be introduced may have a positive impact. "There are thousands of people caught speeding every year," he added.

Insp Tiernan said Gardai continue to appeal to motorists to take care. "Our message remains the same. Slow down and be conscious of other motorists," said Insp Tiernan. He said said the Roads Policing Unit continue to apprehend speeding drivers some of whom have been caught travelling at frightening speeds.

Following a national review, default speed limits on national secondary roads will be cut from 100km/h to 80km/h, from 80km/h to 60km/h on rural or local roads, and from 50km/h to 30km/h on roads in built-up or urban areas.