Thousands caught speeding including motorist detected at 207km/hr

A motorist has been caught driving at more than 200km per hour by Irish police.

The detection of a vehicle driving at 207km/hr (128mph) came on the N18 in Ballinacurra, Co Limerick, on the fourth week of gardai’s traffic enforcement operation across the Christmas period.

During that week, from Monday December 22 to Sunday December 28, there were three fatalities on Ireland’s roads and eight serious collisions that resulted in a number of people being seriously injured.

Across the week, gardai carried out almost 2,100 checkpoints.

That saw 149 arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, and more than 4,600 drivers caught speeding.

Some of the top speeds detected included 118km/hr in a 50km/hr zone on the North Circular Road, Dublin 7; 140km/hr in a 60km/hr zone on the N15 in Mullandrait, Stranorlar, Co Donegal; and 167km/hr in an 80km/hr zone on the R430 road in Dromagh, Crettyard, Co Laois.

There was also a detection of 207km/hr in a 100km/hr zone on the N18 in Ballinacurra (Weston), Co Limerick and 164km/hr in a 120km/hr zone on the M9 in Yellowbogcommon, Kilcullen, Co Kildare.

Meanwhile, more than 435 vehicles were seized by gardai for a range of offences under the Road Traffic Act, 1961, around 150 Fixed Charge Notices were issued for using a mobile phone while driving, and 45 Fixed Charge Notices were issued for seat belt offences.

A Garda spokesperson urged drivers to take care on the roads, describing the Christmas period as one of the busiest on Irish roads.

“It is also one of the periods during which road users are at the highest risk of being involved in a fatal or serious road traffic collision,” they said.

“To date, 189 people have lost their lives in road traffic collisions on Irish roads.

“This year’s Christmas and New Year road safety appeal focuses on the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol and the devastating loss of life and serious injuries it can cause.

“An Garda Siochana is appealing to all those who will be taking to the roads over the Christmas period to slow down, take extra care and to give your driving your full attention.”