Driver in Laois does 127kph in 80kph zone during road safety campaign

A DRIVER in Stradbally was caught doing 127kph in an 80kph zone during a national road safety operation this weekend.

The speed was recorded on the R428 road at Kylebeg, Stradbally yesterday, according to gardaí.

The nationwide garda road safety operation is running throughout the August bank holiday weekend, from Thursday 30 July until Tuesday 4 August.

Mandatory intoxicant testing and regular, high-visibility policing checkpoints are being conducted as part of the operation.

In an update this afternoon, gardaí said that 39 people have been arrested so far for driving under the influence of an intoxicant, either alcohol or drugs or both.

Just over 1,590 drivers were detected for speeding offences during the first two days of the operation.

Notable speeds on Friday, 31 July included:

• 172km/h in a 120km/h zone on the M1 Greenfields, Swords, Co. Dublin.

• 142km/h in a 100km/h zone on the N24 Belline and Rogerstown, Piltown, Co. Kilkenny.

• 127km/h in a 80km/h zone on the R428 Kylebeg, Stradbally, Co. Laois.

• 126km/h in a 60km/h zone on the Waterford Road, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary.

• 115km/h in a 50km/h zone on the Clontarf Road, Dublin 3, Co. Dublin.

During the first two days, 200 drivers were detected holding a mobile phone or not wearing a seatbelt.

The road safety enforcement operation focuses on four ‘lifesaver’ issues: Speeding;  Driving under the influence of an intoxicant; Using a mobile phone while driving; Not wearing a seatbelt. 

Gardaí 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 this weekend.’