Garda crack down on phone use by drivers

Gardaí in Navan have this week commenced a week-long road traffic operation in an effort to improve the behaviour of all road-users.

A total of 37 offences were recorded on Monday, the first day of the operation. Some 16 drivers were penalised for driving while using a mobile phone, and a further 15 were found to be parked illegally.

There were no recorded instances of driving while not wearing a seatbelt and a further six drivers were charged with 'other' offences.

Garda resources have been deployed to specifically target offenders who drive without insurance, use their mobile phones while driving, fail to wear seat belts and who are illegally parked.

A dozen members of the Garda Traffic Corps were positioned throughout the town on Monday in an effort to enforce road traffic laws and encourage good driving habits among motorists.

According to Supt Mick Devine, compliance with road laws is increasing all the time. However, the biggest issue facing gardaí remains those who drive while using their mobile phone.

'People are generally on the ball nowadays and we're all getting more compliant,' he said. 'But the biggest issue is people still using mobile phones - that is one of the biggest problems on the ground.'

Supt Devine added that the overall aim of the initiative is to increase driver compliance and educate road-users on best practice while they are behind the wheel.