‘Absolutely staggering’ – drivers clocked 70kmh over speed limit on Kilkenny motorway

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) and An Garda Síochána have expressed concern at the number of drivers who are being clocked speeding on Kilkenny roads in spite of the Covid-19 restrictions.

Sixteen pedestrians nationally have been killed up to the 29 April 2020 – which is double the number of deaths up to the same period last year. Six pedestrians alone have died since the schools were closed in the middle of March.

The authorities have also expressed serious concern at the number of motorists who, despite the reduced amount of traffic on the road, continue to drive well over the legal speed limit.

This week two drivers were clocked doing more than 70kmh over the speed limit on the M9. One motorist was caught doing 194kmh near Urlingford. The second driver another was caught doing 190kmh near the Paulstown exit.

The RSA has urged drivers to slow down and expect to encounter more pedestrians and cyclists than normal on your journey. They also called on people to never drive while under the influence of drink or drugs.

Transport Minister Shane Ross said: “It is absolutely staggering that in this time of crisis and loss, there are people still driving under the influence of drink or drugs.

“The high volume of intoxicated driving – little changed from before the COVID restrictions – may be an indicator that people who are willing to behave irresponsibly by driving after taking intoxicants are also the people most likely to breach COVID restrictions and take unnecessary journeys. This behaviour must stop.

“It is critical that we all practice good road safety habits, so we don’t add to the workload of our front-line health care workers who are trying to deal with and contain the COVID19 pandemic,” he added.

A total of 54 people have died on Irish roads so far in 2020, seven more than last year for the same period.