Driver speeding at 173km/h in 100km/h zone among hundreds caught at start of long weekend

OVER 580 MOTORISTS have been detected speeding in the first 24 hours of the May bank holiday roads policing operation.

The roads policing operation is taking place throughout the May bank holiday and began at 7am yesterday and will continue until 7am on Tuesday, 5 May.

During the first day of the operation, from 7am yesterday until 7am this morning, over 580 drivers were detected for speeding offences.

Notable speeds detected include a motorist clocked at 173 km/h in a 100 km/h zone on the N87, Belturbet, Co Cavan.

A motorist was also detected speeding at 111 km/h in a 60 km/h zone on the R267 in Bundoran, Co Donegal

Throughout the roads policing operation, gardaí are also conducting statutory mandatory intoxicant testing as well as regular, high-visibility policing checkpoints.

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So far, 15 people have been arrested for driving under the influence of drink or drugs while close to 50 drivers were detected holding a mobile phone or not wearing a seatbelt.

There were no fatalities on Irish roads during this first 24-hour period, and gardaí noted that the number of fatalities on Irish roads so far this year is 55.

Every garda on-duty this weekend will be out conducting road traffic enforcement activity.

Gardaí will also be placing a particular emphasis on detecting those driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Gardaí are also urging motorists to take extra caution around vulnerable road users, in particular pedestrians and cyclists.

Motorists have also been reminded to always drive within the speed limit, to always wear a seatbelt and never use a mobile phone when driving.

Gardaí have also noted that walking home or cycling under the influence of alcohol or drugs can put you and other road users at risk and that cyclists and pedestrians should stay visible and observe their surroundings at all times.

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