Gardai to mount safety blitz on motorists
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GARDAI are to mount a major crackdown on speeding, drink driving and the non-wearing of seat belts over the bank holiday weekend in and around Dublin.
An extensive checkpoint operation system, including 16 super checkpoints -- heavily manned which allow large numbers of drivers to be processed -- will be in place at strategic locations throughout the city and all will operate mandatory alcohol testing.
And road users have been warned that gardai will also set up checkpoints across the country in an effort to cut down on the number of road deaths.
So far this year, 23 people have lost their lives on the roads in the greater Dublin area and while this compares favourably to 30 deaths for the same period last year, it still represents unnecessary trauma, heartache and tragedy for dozens of people, the Garda Press Office said.
Meanwhile, AA Roadwatch is advising people to use dipped headlights while driving this weekend to help cut back on needless deaths.
"As the clocks go back this weekend, daylight hours will be greatly reduced," Nicola Hudson from AA Roadwatch said.
"Drivers should check all lights are functioning before they set out and drive with dipped headlights at all times."
And she said cyclists and pedestrians should ensure they are wearing bright clothing when out at night, pointing out that cyclists are most at risk, particularly in wet conditions.
"We all need to be conscious that as winter sets in we will be on the roads in darkness while pupils are going to and coming from school.
''It's a dangerous weekend and the start of a dangerous time of year on the roads," Ms Hudson added.
Marathon
Heavy delays are expected over the long weekend, particularly on Monday as revellers return home.
Drivers coming away from the Cork Jazz Festival should expect delays on the N8 at Abbeyleix and Durrow, while those travelling from the west of Ireland should avoid major delays because Moate has been bypassed.
Also on Monday, numerous Dublin city centre roads will be closed to facilitate the Dublin City Marathon.
"The main hub of the Dublin City Marathon focuses on the Merrion Square, Fitzwilliam Square and Nassau Street areas and some road closures here are implemented as early as Sunday morning," Ms Hudson warned.
"I advise anyone heading to the city to familiarise themselves with road closures by visiting www.aaroadwatch.ie and plan their journey in advance," she added.
- Paul Melia
