New high-visibility road policing measures have led to a 55% increase in the number of motorists caught using their mobile phone, Gardaí have said. 

Since April 12th, all uniformed Gardaí have conducted 30 minutes of high-visibility roads policing every day as part of a Government initiative to cut the number of road deaths. 

Today, Commissioner Harris will tell the Transport Committee that in the four weeks since, 2,148 fixed charge notices have been issued for mobile phone use.

Garda Commissioner Drew Harris. Image: Sam Boal/Rollingnews.ie

There has also been a 40% increase in breath checks at MIT checkpoints, with a 17% rise in the number of people caught driving under the influence.

Commissioner Harris will also tell the Committee there are plans for three average speed-limit cameras rolled out later this year - like the ones in the Port Tunnel and on the N7 - which will be situated on the N2, the N3 and the N5.

TDs and Senators will hear that as of May 9th, over 6,600 vehicles will have been detained by officers this year - up 70% on the same period last year.

Main image: Garda checkpoint. Picture by: David Creedon / Alamy Live News