Mandatory Alcohol Testing Checkpoints –
Operation Surround 20th April 2014
As As part of the Easter Bank Holiday Road Safety campaign, An Garda Síochána will conduct a number of MAT (Mandatory Alcohol Testing) checkpoints overnight on a National co-ordinated basis.
Th The emphasis of these checkpoints is to target and intercept intoxicated drivers through the use of Mandatory Alcohol Testing, by surrounding specific locations in each Garda Region.
A number of checkpoints will be established effectively surrounding the nominated town. As example Midleton District
· MAT 1- Lakeview, Castleredmond, Midleton
· MAT 2- Dungourney Rd, (in vicinity of Irish Distillers), Midleton
· MAT 3- Relief Road, Knockgriffin.
Checkpoints will be established simultaneously nationwide.
Separate one hour MAT checkpoints will occur simultaneously between 00.30hrs and 01.30hrs on the 20th April in various locations around the country.
Assistant Commissioner John Twomey, Garda National Traffic Bureau, added:
" In the first three months of the year, a total of 1,926 drivers have been arrested on suspicion of drink driving. The vast majority of drivers act responsibly and don’t mix driving with drinking alcohol. However nearly 2,000 drivers so far this year have behaved in a totally irresponsible manner. Drink driving is totally unacceptable and we will continue to intensively target these selfish drivers who think that it won’t affect their, or others safety on the road. All members of An Garda Síochána are out all around the country, day and night, targeting intoxicated driving.”
Assistant Commissioner Twomey continued:-
" Even if you don’t meet a checkpoint, you could still be breath tested if you run a red light, enter a bus lane, speed, or if you’re involved in a road traffic collision. Never take the chance, it could prove very costly…the least of which are penalty points, a fine or the loss of your licence. If you’re drinking alcohol, forget about driving.
The Mandatory Alcohol Checkpoints involve Traffic Units and Regular Units from each Garda Division.
Assistant Commissioner Twomey reminded those celebrating this week end to allow adequate time before driving again.
See the Morning After campaign page on drinkaware.ie. This page explains the definition of standard drink and the length of time it takes the body to eliminate it.
http://www.drinkaware.ie/hints-tips/the-morning-after-time-is-the-only-cure/
A Garda spokesperson will be available on Sunday morning (20th April 2014 between 10 am and 12 mid day) to facilitate interviews by phone to local broadcast media. To request an interview please email pressoffice@garda.ie providing contact details and areas of interest.
Note to editor
Images from the checkpoints will be available to the media on request from the Garda Press Office on Sunday morning at the following email address: Pressoffice@Garda.ie
The operation will be highlighted on the Garda Twitter account @gardatraffic
Following on from our previous press release (508/14) above please find attached preliminary figures for this Operation which was simultaneously conducted at various locations throughout the country.
1. Nationwide: 2853
2. Date and Time of MAT Checkpoint: 12.30 to 1.30 am on the 20th April 2014
3. TOTAL NUMBER of motorists tested: 1613
4. Number of Negative Tests (UNDER LIMIT): 1604
5. Number of Positive Tests (OVER LIMIT): 9
6. Number of Arrests 9
7. Number of Arrests for fail/refuse Roadside Test: 0
8. Number of Negative Tests at Station (UNDER LIMIT): 1
9. Number of positive Tests at Station (OVER LIMIT): 7
10. Number of Fail/Refuse Test at Station: 1
