As part of Operation Artery Gardaí have conducted a number of Super MAT (Mandatory Alcohol Testing) checkpoints overnight in the Dublin area
As part of Operation Artery Gardaí have conducted a number of Super MAT (Mandatory Alcohol Testing) checkpoints overnight in the Dublin area.
The emphasis of these checkpoints was to target intoxicated driving through the use of Mandatory Alcohol Testing. Four separate Super MAT one hour checkpoints occurred simultaneously between 12.30 and 1.30 am on the 19th January in various locations around Dublin City.
The locations included, Ballymun Avenue, N11 Stillorgan Road, N7 Clondalkin, N81 Spawell, R136 Ballyowen Road.
During these checkpoints a total of 1,100 vehicles went through the checkpoints, 462 people were breath tested and 2 arrests were made for suspected drink driving. There were also 21 FCPN fixed charge penalty notices for Road Traffic Offences and 6 vehicles seized (e.g. no tax, no NCT, unregistered taxi).
Assistant Commissioner John Twomey, Garda National Traffic Bureau, added:
Early this morning we ran a series of highly visible checkpoints around the Dublin area targeting intoxicated driving. This is the second weekend in a row that we have conducted checkpoints simultaneously as part of this operation. I would like to thank motorists for their co-operation during these checkpoints and as the figures show the vast majority of people tested were compliant with the legislation.
I want to also send a very strong message to all drivers and remind them that members of An Garda Síochána are out all around the country, day and night, targeting intoxicated driving. The message is clear, Never ever drink and drive.
Assistant Commissioner Twomey continued, "There was considerable Garda enforcement activity over the Christmas Campaign, I want to stress that our enforcement will continue throughout the year. It is totally unacceptable that some people continue to drink and drive.”
Assistant Commissioner Twomey concluded, "Our appeal for 2014 is for every road user to make it their New Year’s Resolution to be as safe as possible on the roads. Never Drink and Drive and Never get into a car with a driver who has consumed alcohol. Every road user must be responsible on the road.”
The checkpoints involved over 60 Garda Personnel, Traffic Units from all Dublin Garda Divisions and coordinated by Traffic Dublin Castle.
Images of the Super MAT Checkpoints are available on request to pressoffice@garda.ie
