MOTORISTS STOPPED by gardaí for committing traffic offences during Operation Freeflow in Dublin city will be breathalysed.
The annual Garda initiative to keep traffic moving in the run up to Christmas has always relied on high visibility of uniformed gardaí and rigorous enforcement to stop motorists from committing offences such as blocking box junctions and running red lights.
However, this year gardaí will also be breathalysing motorists who break traffic laws, regardless of whether they are involved in a crash.
“We piloted this in some places last year, but this year it will be in operation throughout the freeflow area,” Chief Supt Aidan Reid of the Dublin regional traffic division said.
“We’ve catered for it with every member [of the force] involved in freeflow having access to an alcometer.
“Members do have discretion as to its use, but motorists should be aware that they will be subject to testing.”
Operation Freeflow began last weekend and continues until December 24th, after which it will be replaced by Operation Artery which is a year-round traffic management plan.
During freeflow all non-essential roadworks are stopped, gardaí are deployed at traffic blackspots and critical junctions from 7am to 8pm, Monday to Friday.
They will also be deployed to busy shopping centres from noon to 8pm, Wednesday to Sunday.
The operation will involve more than 130 gardaí, 48 traffic corps motorcycle patrols, 10 marked patrol vehicles, 12 bicycle units, the Garda air support unit, the Garda mounted unit and motorway 4x4 vehicles.
From December 17th, 12 uniformed gardaí will be allocated specifically to ensuring safety on late-night public transport.
The first week of the operation had been “challenging”, Insp Eddie Murphy of the Garda traffic control centre said.
“There have been 65 accidents as a result of the frost, but we’ve managed to maintain the movement of traffic.”
He urged motorists to reduce their speed and be aware of road conditions and for cyclists to wear high-visibility vests and helmets.
Information on traffic and travel during the Christmas period in Dublin is available on www.freeflow.ie.
Information is included on the hours of late-night public transport services, including buses which leave Dublin as late as 3.30am at weekends for places such as Drogheda, Greystones and Newbridge.
The website also carries “real-time” information on current traffic in Dublin, as well as advance notice of issues such as the opening of the Samuel Beckett Bridge to vehicles on December 11th and the evening suspension of the “bus gate” traffic restrictions, as well as city parking.
Details of Dublin City Council’s free parking scheme this Christmas are also be available.
Free parking is available from Thursdays to Sundays in certain city centre locations to encourage shopping.
Livedrive 103.2FM will be broadcasting traffic information throughout the freeflow period.
