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Gardai appeal to slow down on approach to checkpoints

Gardai have issued advise to motorists when approaching checkpoints:

  • Reduce your speed on approach to the checkpoint.
  • Ensure you move into the correct lane for your vehicle in a timely manner.
  • Obey all road signs on the lead up to the checkpoint – this includes both motorway VMS signs and Garda signs.
  • Be in a position to come to a complete stop safely, when signalled to do so.

The performance of Garda checkpoints as part of Operation Fanacht has been an essential part of Ireland’s response to reducing the spread of COVID-19 within our communities. As the number of people infected has increased, these checkpoints have become even more important in ensuring the safety of us all.

An Garda Síochána would like to thank all of those who have listened to the safety messages and have eliminated unnecessary travel. For those who must make essential journeys, we are asking them to be mindful that there is a good possibility they will have to go through a checkpoint during the course of their journey.

These checkpoints are in operation on main routes and motorways. In order to ensure the effective performance of these checkpoints we are asking everyone to think safety as they approach a checkpoint.

This means:
  • Reducing your speed on approach to the checkpoint.
  • Ensuring that you move into the correct lane for your vehicle as early as possible.
  • Obeying all road signs on the lead up to the checkpoint.
  • Preparing to come to a complete stop safely when signalled to do so.

In particular, Gardaí are urging drivers of heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) to reduce speed when approaching checkpoints and prepare to stop. Following these simple guidelines will ensure Garda checkpoints can be conducted safely and will reduce delays.

Ref. PR14290/2020

Note to Editor:

An Garda Síochána continue to liaise with the Irish Road Haulage Associations (IRHA) to request that their members slow down and be prepared to stop at the checkpoints.

Inspector Kieran O’Connor from the Garda National Roads Policing Bureau talks about checkpoint safety in this short Facebook video: https://tinyurl.com/y6cczldm

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