In force over the long Easter weekend, the PSP’s ‘Safe Easter 2017’ operation saw close to 19,000 vehicles checked during the duration of the action, and more than 280 people arrested, 120 of whom were detained for drink-driving.
According to the PSP, there were 37 fewer people arrested for driving while drunk this year than last year.
Thirty-two weapons were also seized – 11 more than in last year’s operation – in connection with the 282 arrests.
During their action, the PSP further registered 3,400 driving offences, the majority for speeding, lack of valid MOT, driving while using a mobile phone, and not wearing a seatbelt.
With regard to accidents, the PSP registered 993 accidents, which resulted in 13 serious injuries and 301 injured.
Meanwhile, the GNR police were also out and about on the roads in force over Easter, having staged their own interventions to ensure safety on the busy roads over the long weekend, when thousands of people travelled about the country for a well-earned break.
Between midnight last Thursday and midnight on Sunday, the GNR registered 708 accidents and four deaths on the country’s roads. That was 150 fewer accidents but one more death in comparison to their operation over Easter 2016.
During their Easter 2017 Operation, GNR officers were paying particular attention to drink-driving and drivers under the influence of drugs, while also looking to clamp down on people driving without a licence and speeders.
Their objective, the GNR stated, was to “combat road accidents, regulate traffic and ensure support for all road users by providing safe journeys to places of origin.”
Both police forces stage various annual operations, over peak periods such as Easter, the summer and Christmas.