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Gardaí prepare for last night's operation at the Spawell, Dublin An Garda Síochána via Facebook
Operation Artery
Just two drink-drive arrests after 1,100 motorists stopped
The drivers were stopped over a one hour period at checkpoints in Dublin overnight.
Updated 7.45pm
JUST TWO MOTORISTS were arrested for suspected drink-driving in a large-scale garda clampdown in the Dublin area last night.
A total of 1,100 vehicles were stopped as officers mounted checkpoints on major routes in five areas, including the N11 at Stillorgan, the N7 at Clondalkin and Ballymun Avenue.
The operation lasted one hour, between 12.30 and 1.30am.
462 drivers were breath-tested — and in addition to the drink-drive related arrests, 21 motorists were hit with penalty points, while six vehicles were seized (including those without motor tax or NCTs).
Assistant Commissioner John Twomey of the Traffic Bureau said the figures showed “the vast majority of people tested were compliant with the legislation”.
It’s the second weekend in a row that gardaí have carried out Saturday night testing in Dublin. One driver was arrested for suspected drink-driving last weekend.
Last night’s effort involved sixty personnel, including traffic units from all over the city. The operation was coordinated from Dublin Castle.
“Our appeal for 2014 is for every road user to make it their New Year’s Resolution to be as safe as possible on the roads,” Twomey said.
“There was considerable Garda enforcement activity over the Christmas Campaign. I want to stress that our enforcement will continue throughout the year.”
First published 9.20am
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