Motorist caught driving almost DOUBLE motorway speed limit during Bank Holiday weekend

A driver travelling at almost 230km/h on an Irish motorway is one among thousands of people caught speeding during the St Brigid's Day Bank Holiday weekend. 

The extraordinary speed was detected on the M1 in Balgatheran, Drogheda, Co Louth during an extensive Garda Roads Policing Operation, which began at 7am on Thursday February 1, 2024 to 7am on Tuesday February 6, 2024. 

Gardaí confirmed two road fatalities during this period as well as 11 serious collisions, resulting in 12 people receiving serious and life-threatening injuries. 

Over the Bank Holiday period, An Garda Síochána carried out over 898 Mandatory Intoxicant Testing (MIT) checkpoints, with over 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 include 99km/h in a 50km/h zone on Cork Street in Dublin 8, 143km/h in a 60km/h zone on the R700 in Knockavilla, New Ross, Co Wexford, and 153km/h in a 100km/h 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, and over 420 vehicles were seized for having no tax or insurance. 

Chief Superintendent Jane Humphries of the Garda National Roads Policing Bureau said, "Gardaí working nationwide over the Bank Holiday Weekend received good support from the public and we really hope that this continues as it helps us to keep road users safe.

"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." 

An Garda Síochána continue to appeal to all road users to never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, to slow down and to always choose a speed that is appropriate to the driving conditions, to wear your seatbelt and never use a mobile phone while driving.