Motorist caught driving at 156 km/h in freezing spell as Gardai hit out at 'menace on our roads'

A motorist was caught speeding at 156 km/h, 56 km/h over the speed limit, as freezing temperatures caused dangerous travel conditions across the country this week.

An Garda Síochána revealed in a statement on Thursday that 375 drivers have been detected driving in excess of the speed limit in the last 72 hours, when snow, ice and freezing temperatures impacted the entire country, prompting Met Éireann to issue a series of weather warnings.

Gardaí highlighted a number of the speeding offences detected this week as they urged drivers to slow down during the ongoing period of extremely cold weather.

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The worst offence highlighted by Gardaí was a driver detected driving at 156km/hr in a 100km/hr zone on the N15 at Drumrat in Donegal, while other offences included a motorist detected doing 121km/hr in a 60km/hr zone on the Navan Road in Dublin and a driver clocked at 125km/hr in a 100km/hr zone on the N26 near Ballina in Mayo.

Further examples of speeding detections made by Gardaí and Mobile Safety Camera Vans (GoSafe, Road Safety Partners), can be seen below:

99km/hr in a 50km/hr zone on the Dublin Road, Galway 97km/hr in a 50km/hr zone on the Dublin Road, Galway 84km/hr in a 50km/hr zone on the N3, Virginia, Cavan 83km/hr in a 50km/hr zone on the R188, Drumbear, Monaghan 80km/hr in a 50km/hr zone on the Dublin Road, Cavan 96km/hr in a 60km/hr zone on the R188, Drung, Cavan 112km/hr in an 80km/hr zone on the N4, Lucan, Dublin 97km/hr in an 80km/hr zone on the N68, Kilmihill, Clare

As well as motorists caught speeding this week, 29 drivers were arrested in the last 72 hours for driving under the influence of an intoxicant (alcohol and drugs).

Commenting on the driving offences, Chief Superintendent Jane Humphries said: "The disregard for speed limits and safe speeds by a small number of drivers is irresponsible and dangerous, not just for their own safety, but for the safety of the many workers who are busy keeping our roads open for essential use in this excessive cold spell and other road users who are supporting road safety.

“Drivers who continue to drive at excessive speed are a menace on our roads. An Garda Síochána continues to enforce the road traffic legislation throughout this period in addition to working and supporting our communities across the country and in the most affected counties during this cold weather period.”

Chief Superintendent Humphries once again appealed to all Road Users, to "slow down and stay safe over the coming days”.

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