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Motorist at twice speed limit among 1,200 found speeding

Gardaí have said that motorists driving at such speeds are making 'deliberate and conscious decisions' to do so (file image)
Gardaí have said that motorists driving at such speeds are making 'deliberate and conscious decisions' to do so (file image)

A motorist travelling at 167km/h in an 80km/h zone – more than double the speed limit – was among more than 1,200 detected speeding over the bank holiday weekend.

Over the course of the weekend three people were killed on Irish roads, bringing the total so far this year to 147.

Since a garda road safety operation began last Thursday at 7am, over 1,200 motorists were detected travelling in excess of the speed limit.

Among these was a driver going 167km/h in an 80km/h zone on the R162, Leggagh, Castletown in Meath.

In addition, one was caught travelling at 157km/h in a 100km/h zone on the R238, Tromaty, Quigleys Point, Donegal.

Another was found travelling at 88km/h in a 50km/h zone on the Newcastle Road, Galway.

Gardaí have said that motorists driving at such speeds are making "deliberate and conscious decisions" to do so and are putting their lives and the lives of their passengers and other road users in danger.

Over the course of the garda operation, 158 drivers were arrested on suspicion of driving while intoxicated.

In a statement, gardaí said this is "unacceptable behaviour and should be called out by every responsible and law-abiding person".

They highlighted that yesterday on the M8 in Cork, a learner driver in his 20s with no insurance was found driving at 170km/h in a 120km/h zone.

After testing positive for drugs on the roadside, he was arrested and charged with dangerous driving.

With colder, wetter and darker evenings ahead, gardaí have appealed for all road users to slow down, and not just drive at the posted speed limit.

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