Numerous cases of wrong-way drivers on motorways among 86 'near misses' on Ireland's roads

In one case in County Offaly last year, a motorway off-ramp was temporarily closed for works when 'a member of the public took it upon themselves to move cones' and proceeded to drive up the exit. File picture

A speeding car which undertook an articulated lorry on a hard shoulder and knocked the wing mirror off a stationary work vehicle was among nearly 90 close calls reported on the national road network.

Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) said it had logged 86 cases it categorised as “near misses” over the past five years including multiple cases of vehicles travelling the wrong way on motorways and others in which staff were subject to abuse.