A new online Traffic Watch form to report dangerous driving has been launched by gardaí.
This form will replace the Traffic Watch number, which was first set up in 2001 and expanded nationwide in 2004.
Over the past ten years, Traffic Watch has received more than 45,000 calls.
From today members of the public can report non-emergency traffic-related incidents using the online reporting form on Garda.ie
These online reports are logged by garda staff at the Garda Information Services Centre (GISC) who then forward the report to the Superintendent in the relevant Community Engagement Area to progress.
Over the August bank holiday, gardaí arrested around 180 people who were found to be driving under the influence of drink and drugs
Superintendent Liam Geraghty described the figures as "concerning" as he said they appear to be going up year-on-year.
Just short of 4,000 people were arrested for speeding.
A 17-year-old male driver was arrested on Tuesday afternoon after he was clocked driving at 190km/h in a 120km/h zone on the M8.
The teenager had a full driving license, and he appeared in court yesterday. The judge disqualified him for two years and he also received a Substantial fine.
Gardaí have said any information received from members of the public will be sent to local districts for investigation by the regional traffic units.
An Garda Síochána say the move is aimed at improving road safety, reducing the number of road collisions and preventing road deaths.
Assistant Commissioner Paula Hillman, Roads Policing and Community Engagement said: "Traffic Watch has been in existence for over 20 years.
"Traffic watch has been important over the years in providing an opportunity where responsible and safe road users can report aggressive and careless drivers, empowering responsible road users to work with An Garda Síochána in enhancing road safety for all.
"The online reporting form provides an updated process through which members of the public can report non-emergency information to An Garda Síochána. In an emergency situation road users should always contact 999/112."
'Difficult to access'
Garda Superintendent Liam Geraghty said people found the traffic watch number difficult to access at times, so an online form was a logical solution.
"Feedback we're getting from stakeholders and other people is that the phone number at times was difficult to access and to know the number.
He said the data automatically goes into the information services centre and is sent to the correct part of the country to ensure the incident is followed up on.
Speaking on RTÉ’s Drivetime, Superintendent Geraghty said for emergency incidents like road traffic collisions and continuous dangerous driving, people should still call the emergency numbers 999 or 112.
Het said continuous illegal parking, tailgating or continuous use of an intoxicant are all valid reasons to submit a report online.
He added that reports are not anonymous, and people will be required to provide contact details, and a statement of complaint will have to be taken.
Depending on the nature of the complaint, someone could be called to court.
He confirmed the form can be used to report dangerous behaviour by cyclists or anyone on the roads.
