Gardaí will conduct a national speed enforcement operation from Friday May 25th at 7am to Saturday May 26th at 7am.
By Peter Allen
GARDAÍ will conduct a national speed enforcement operation ‘Slow Down’ for a 24-hour period from 7am on Friday May 25th to 7am on Saturday May 26th. The objective is to reduce the number of speed related collisions, save lives and reduce injuries on our roads.
The aim of ‘Slow Down day’ is to remind drivers of the dangers of speeding, increase compliance with speed limits and act as a deterrent to driving at excessive speed. Excessive and inappropriate speed is a major contributory factor in road traffic collisions. The higher the speed, the greater the likelihood is of a collision happening and the more severe the outcome of that collision. As a general rule a 1% reduction in average speed will bring about a 4% reduction in fatal collisions.
‘We appeal to all drivers to slow down and support our National Slow Down Day. This will reduce injury and tragedy on the road. Please stick strictly to the posted speed limit, but if the road, traffic or especially weather conditions dictate, reduce your speed even further,’ said Chief Superintendent Finbarr Murphy, Roads Policing Bureau.
‘We ask drivers to slow down not just on Slow Down Day, but every day. We will continue to target irresponsible drivers who speed or put others at risk. This will be greatly enhanced by the 87 new newly appointed Roads Policing members, which will increase to 150 by the end of 2018.’
The operation will consist of highly visible speed enforcement in speed enforcement zones, as well as the delivery of a road safety message through the use of national, local and social media. Government Departments, Local Authorities, Public and private sector fleet operators have been invited to participate in the initiative by circulating employees with the key message to ‘Slow Down’ and, whether driving for business or private purposes, to always drive within the speed limit and at a speed appropriate to the prevailing conditions.
All speed enforcement zone locations are available on the Garda website. The penalty for speeding is three penalty points and an €80 euro fine if paid within 28 days.
