We'll put brakes on motorists travelling to holiday homes this weekend

Gardai out in force as fears grow over fatal collisions

- CIARA PHELAN

A TOP cop pledged gardai will be out in force to ensure people don’t break the 5km rule this Bank Holiday weekend.

The stern warning came from Chief Superintendent Paul Cleary as figures show an increase in road fatalities.

He said: “The 5km rule is there for a reason, for a very important reason for public health and safety.

“We will be covering all arteries in towns and cities. Gardai will be out in force.”

Statistics have revealed 60 people died in 56 fatal collisions up to May 26 – a 17% increase in such crashes and 9% rise in deaths.

The figures include 18 pedestrians, three of whom have been killed during the lockdown period.

That figure is double that for the same time last year.

Seven motorcyclists and one cyclist have died on the roads so far this year.

Gardai yesterday said they will be setting up extra checkpoints across the country over the Bank Holiday weekend to stop people from travelling outside of the 5km limit.

A major focus will also be placed on “lifesaver” offences such as drug-driving – something that Supt Cleary said has increased by 90%.