Over 2,100 motoring offences detected in Northern Ireland over August bank holiday weekend

More than 2,100 motoring offences were recorded across Northern Ireland during the August bank holiday weekend, new figures from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) have revealed.

The three-day road safety operation, which ran from 23 to 25 August, was carried out across all 11 policing districts by officers and Road Safety Camera Vans.

The vast majority of offences – around 1,950 – were for speeding. In seven separate cases, motorists were detected driving at speeds exceeding 100mph.

One vehicle was caught twice in a single day: first travelling at 122mph on the A6 Toome to Castledawson stretch of road, and later clocked at 100mph on Moneynick Road.

Other offences identified during the operation included dangerous driving, drink or drug driving, driving without insurance, careless driving, using a mobile phone at the wheel, failing to wear a seatbelt, and not having a valid MOT certificate.

Disposals to date range from fixed penalty points and referrals to the Public Prosecution Service, to speed awareness courses.

‘Simply shocking’

Superintendent Jonathan Wilson, from the PSNI’s Operational Support Department, described the figures as “simply shocking”.

He said:

“The figures from the bank holiday weekend are simply shocking. Too many people aren’t taking road safety seriously, regardless of the potential consequences. Far too many drivers are putting their lives and other roads users lives at risk.”

So far this year, 31 people have died on Northern Ireland’s roads as a result of collisions.

Reminder of the ‘Fatal Five’

Superintendent Wilson urged all road users to consider their own safety and the safety of others.

He added:

“Everyone using our roads needs to be mindful of their own safety and the safety of everyone around them.

“To all drivers, our message is remember the fatal five – don’t drink or take drugs and drive; slow down; don’t be careless; always wear your seat belt and never use your mobile phone while driving.”

Police have said road safety operations will continue throughout the year, targeting the most dangerous behaviours on Northern Ireland’s roads.