‘New lethal driving law needed’ - Lowry
‘Gardaí must use his or her discretion to decide whether to pursue a car driving the wrong way on a motorway’ Deputy Lowry pointed out
New laws specifically focused on driving in the wrong direction on Ireland’s motorways are needed a North Tipperary TD has said.
North Tipperary Independent TD, Michael Lowry, said that driving a car the wrong way down a motorway is “lethal” and a “serious threat” to other road users, and said that it should be made a separate offence to do so.
“I want to condemn in the strongest possible terms that reckless criminal behaviour,” he said. “Those who deliberately drive vehicles the wrong way down a motorway are engaged in behaviour that is lethal and is a serious threat to other road users.
“The Gardaí were prepared to respond to the M9 incident using stinger equipment and other capabilities,” and he said there are plans for Gardaí to receive specialist pursuit training later this year, which will be the first time such training has been rolled out.
“However, no matter what laws, training or equipment are available it will always be the case that a Garda must use his or her discretion to decide whether to pursue a car driving the wrong way on a motorway,” Deputy Lowry said.
“We must consider the introduction of a separate offence in respect of individuals who make a deliberate decision to drive their vehicles the wrong way on a motorway. This is using a vehicle as a weapon,” he added.
In a joint statement, Independent Tipperary councillors John O’Heney and Liam Browne said that their thoughts are with the innocent family at this time, adding “Harsher punishments for serious crimes are badly needed in this country.”.