More than 1,200 drivers detected speeding in first 48 hours of bank holiday

More than 1,200 drivers have been detected speeding in the first 48 hours of a roads policing operation this May bank holiday.

The Garda operation is in place from 7am on Thursday until 7am on Tuesday, which involves both breath tests and checkpoints.

There have been no deaths due to road crashes during this time period.

A total of 48 people have been arrested for driving under the influence of either drugs or alcohol, and a further 110 drivers were detected holding a mobile phone or not wearing a seatbelt.

More than 1,200 drivers were detected for speeding offences.

Among the notable speeds detected were a vehicle travelling at 82 km/h in a 50km/hr zone in Dublin 8; a vehicle at 147 km/h in an 80km/hr zone on the R245 in Milford, Co Donegal; and a 141 km/h in a 100km/hr zone on the N25, Ballyadam, Co Cork.

An Garda Siochana and the Road Safety Authority (RSA) are urging people using the roads to support their efforts over the May bank holiday weekend.

All on-duty gardai working this weekend will be out conducting road traffic enforcement activity, Gardai said, with a particular emphasis on those driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

The number of fatalities on Irish roads so far this year is 55; which is two higher than the same period last year.