06/08/2015

More than 100 Disqualified Drivers Arrested Under New Powers

New powers to arrest disqualified drivers if they are found to be driving any vehicle has led to 110 arrests in six weeks.

The new gardaí powers were introduced on 22 June. Since then, 87 disqualified drivers have been arrested and charged, and a further 30 drivers have been charged with multiple offences.

Arrests averaged three a day since the new powers were introduced.

Chief Superintendent Mark Curran, Garda National Traffic Bureau, said: "It is totally unacceptable that drivers who have lost their licence either through the accumulation of penalty points or in court continue to drive.

"Since this new law to arrest disqualified drivers on the spot came into operation on the 22nd June, our members have been working hard to ensure these disqualified drivers are intercepted and removed from the roads.

"One Dublin Traffic Corps member has arrested two disqualified drivers. In many cases, when intercepted, other offences have been detected such as no insurance or intoxicated driving."

(MH/JP)

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