Ballycastle patrol nets drink-driver and 108mph motorist as road deaths hit 15

One motorist returned a roadside breath test result of over twice the legal drink-drive limit.

A targeted police operation in Ballycastle has led to a drink-driving charge, two uninsured vehicles being seized and a motorist detected at 108mph in wet conditions — as Northern Ireland’s road death toll rises to 15 before the end of February.

Officers from the Maydown Road Policing Interceptors carried out a morning of focused patrols in the town on Friday, February 27.

Multiple authorised vehicle checkpoints were established, with drivers stopped and breath-tested as part of the operation.

During the checks, one motorist returned a roadside breath test result of over twice the legal drink-drive limit. The driver has been charged to appear in court.

Two further vehicles were seized after officers discovered they were being driven without insurance. Both drivers were issued fixed penalty notices, each receiving six penalty points and a £200 fine.

Additional fixed penalty notices were handed out for a range of offences including excess speed, illegally tinted windows and using a mobile phone while driving.

Speedgun: Driver detected travelling at 108mph in wet weather conditions.

In a separate incident, officers detected a driver travelling at 108mph in wet weather conditions. That motorist is due to attend court in the coming weeks.

The enforcement activity comes against a stark backdrop. It is only late February and already 15 people have lost their lives on Northern Ireland’s roads — a figure described as tragic and sobering.

Each fatal collision represents a devastating loss, with consequences that ripple through families and communities.

Police have reiterated that all road users — drivers, cyclists and pedestrians — share responsibility for using the roads safely and with consideration.

With the year still in its early weeks, the message from officers is clear: enforcement will continue, and dangerous driving will carry consequences.