920 vehicles broke speed limit during National Slow Down Day, say gardaí

Speed camera warning sign. File picture

A total of 920 vehicles broke the speed limit during National Slow Down Day on Monday, including one motorist who was caught travelling 67km/h over the speed limit in Farranfore, Co Kerry.

Gardaí, in partnership with the Road Safety Authority (RSA) and other stakeholders, conducted the national speed enforcement operation that finished at 11.59pm on Monday night.

The aim of the initiative, gardaí say, was to promote safer driving and reduce speed-related collisions nationwide. The operation coincided with the first full week of schools reopening across the country.

Other examples of high speeds recorded include:

- 144km/h in a 100km/h zone on the N55 at Kilcogy, Co. Cavan

- 118km/h in an 80km/h zone on the R313 at Béal an Mhuirthead, Co. Mayo

- 104km/h in a 60km/h zone on the L7081 at Kilmeague, Co. Kildare

- 117km/h in a 50km/h zone on the N22 at Farranfore, Co. Kerry

A Garda spokesperson says National Slow Down Day operations serve to "remind motorists of the serious risks associated with excessive or inappropriate speed, promote greater compliance with speed limits and support efforts to deter and detect dangerous driving behaviours".

"Driving above the legal speed limit — or at a speed unsuitable for current road, weather or traffic conditions — not only endangers the driver but also puts other road users at significant risk," the spokesperson said. 

"Excessive speed reduces a driver’s ability to respond to unexpected hazards and increases the likelihood of losing control, which can result in serious or fatal collisions."