More than 650 drivers caught speeding on first day of Garda bank holiday operation

A further 18 drivers were arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Picture: Dan Linehan

More than 650 drivers were caught speeding on the first day of a garda road policing operation over the October bank holiday weekend.

Gardaí said one person had died in a road collision, bringing the total number of road deaths to 152 so far this year.

A further 18 drivers were arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

More than 650 drivers were caught speeding on Thursday. Some of the most notable speeds recorded included:

• 90km/h in a 50km/h zone on the R830 in Deansgrange, Co Dublin.
• 86km/h in a 60km/h zone on the N52 in Kells, Co Meath.
• 119km/h in an 80km/h zone on the R265 in St Johnston, Co Donegal.
• 128km/h in a 100km/h zone on the N84 in Cor an Dola, Co Galway.

More than 95 drivers were also detected using a mobile phone or not wearing a seatbelt.

Road safety appeal 

Gardaí and the Road Safety Authority (RSA) are urging all road users to help keep people safe on the roads over the October bank holiday weekend.

They are asking motorists to take extra care around vulnerable road users, particularly pedestrians and cyclists.

“Cyclists and pedestrians should ensure they are clearly visible in darker conditions and always observe their surroundings,” a garda spokesperson said.

“Road safety needs to be a priority for everyone. Slow down and adhere to the speed limit. Never drive under the influence of drink or drugs. Wear your seatbelt and don’t get distracted by mobile devices when you are driving.

“All road users have a part to play in people arriving at their destination safely this weekend,” the spokesperson added.

The road policing operation will remain in place until Tuesday.