Motorist recorded doing 151kmh in 80kmh zone in Westmeath

A driver in Westmeath was caught travelling at 151kmh in an 80kmh zone, as Gardaí nationwide detected 4,400 speeding offences as part of its August Bank Holiday Roads Policing Operation.

The incident in Westmeath ocurred on the R392 at Ballinea, which is the Mullingar to Ballymahon road.

In a statement this morning, Gardaí said that after five days of the operation, there was two fatalities as a result of traffic collisions on the roads. The total number of fatalities on Irish roads to date this year is 110.

Throughout the weekend, Gardaí conducted statutory Mandatory Intoxicant Testing and regular, high-visibility policing checkpoints. The operation continues today, Tuesday, and so far a total of 169 people have been arrested for driving under the influence of an intoxicant (alcohol and drugs).

Just over 4,400 drivers were detected for speeding offences during the first five days of the operation including 78kmh in a 50kmh zone on the R364, Kilkerrin, Co. Galway, and 101kmh in a 60kmh zone on the N52, Kells, Co. Meath, and 145kmh in a 100kmh zone on the N7, South Kill, Co. Kildare.

During the first five days, just over 370 drivers were detected holding a mobile phone or not wearing a seatbelt.

The road safety enforcement operation focused on the four lifesaver offences in an effort to ensure that all road users get home safe: speeding, driving under the influence of an intoxicant, using a mobile phone while driving, and not wearing a seatbelt.

A Garda statement said: “Road safety needs to be a priority for everyone. Slow down and stick 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. You can help get another person home safe.”