Skip to main content

Ireland and Malta police drink-drive crackdowns

As part of Ireland's Operation Artery, police officers staged a number of Super 'Mandatory Alcohol Testing' (MAT) checkpoints in a crackdown on drink-driving in Dublin over the weekend of 11-12 January 2014. In addition to intoxicated driving, general road offences were also targeted, including use of seatbelts, vehicle lighting, tyre condition, driving licences, insurance and road tax. Four separate Super MAT one hour checkpoints occurred simultaneously between the hours of 11.30pm on the 11 January and
January 16, 2014 Read time: 2 mins
Irish police at work at a ‘Mandatory Alcohol Testing’ checkpoint during the recent Operation Artery weekend drink-drive crackdown in Dublin
As part of Ireland's Operation Artery, police officers staged a number of Super 'Mandatory Alcohol Testing' (MAT) checkpoints in a crackdown on drink-driving in Dublin over the weekend of 11-12 January 2014.

In addition to intoxicated driving, general road offences were also targeted, including use of seatbelts, vehicle lighting, tyre condition, driving licences, insurance and road tax.

Four separate Super MAT one hour checkpoints occurred simultaneously between the hours of 11.30pm on the 11 January and 12.30am on 12 January in various locations around Dublin. During these checkpoints a total of 888 vehicles went through. 302 people were breath tested and one arrest was made. There were also 10 general detections for Road Traffic Offences.

Assistant Commissioner John Twomey, Garda National Traffic Bureau, said: "I would like to thank motorists for their co-operation during these checkpoints, and, as the figures show, the vast majority of people tested were compliant with the legislation.

“I want to also send a very strong message to all drivers and remind them that members of An Garda Síochána are out in force every night and day, all around the country, targeting intoxicated driving and other key life saver road offences. Never ever drink and drive."

Traffic police officers in Malta were out early on Sunday 12 January 2014 to emphasise that drink-driving offences can be committed the morning after drinking.

Related Content

  • NHTSA moving to tackle drink driving in US
    March 24, 2015
    A move by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in the US could help reduce the risks of drink driving in the country. The NHTSA is working with a group of major automakers (the Automotive Coalition for Traffic Safety) and this has resulted in the establishment of the Driver Alcohol Detection System for Safety (DADSS). The aim is to develop devices that can detect and prevent drunk driving by the use of infrared breath analysis or biometric readings using fingerprints. The technology is
  • Music on the go
    January 7, 2019
    Our Skidmarks page is highly rated by readers. Your input could help make this page even more entertaining. If you come across any amusing road-related stories or pictures email me at [email protected] MUSIC ON THE GO Video footage shot in Spain recently reveals the driver of a car playing guitar while at the wheel. The passenger in a car driving past shot the video clip as the vehicles travelled along a major highway route. The strumming driver was presumed to be steering with his knees at the time. Qui
  • US$75,632 pint of beer illustrates UK drink-drive conviction cost
    February 28, 2013
    A US$75,632 (£50,000) pint of beer was being unveiled in London, England today as part of the Government’s latest THINK! campaign highlighting the impact of a drink-drive conviction. The Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) has calculated the personal financial cost of drink-driving for the first time, pricing it between $30,253 (£20,000) and $75,632. The calculation reflects the fines, legal costs, rise in insurance premiums and possible job losses faced by those who are convicted. The pricy pint, housed
  • Tougher sentencing required for serious driving offences
    July 13, 2012
    The average sentence for causing death by dangerous driving in the UK is just four years – 62 per cent shorter than for manslaughter, according to road safety charity the IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists). While the average sentence length of manslaughter is 6.6 years, those sentenced to prison for causing death by careless or inconsiderate driving are given an average sentence of 1.3 years. Causing death by careless driving when under the influence of drink or drugs has an average sentence of 4.3 years