More than 2,100 motoring offences detected over late August bank holiday weekend

By Rebecca Black (PA)

More than 2,100 motoring offences were detected across the late August bank holiday weekend, police have said.

Most of these (1,950) were speeding offences, with seven incidents of speeds of more than 100mph clocked.

Of these, one vehicle was detected twice on the same day – being driven at 122mph on the A6 Toome to Castledawson stretch of road, and travelling at 100mph on Moneynick Road.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland said a three-day safety operation was carried out from Saturday August 23 to Monday August 25 across the region, with officers and road safety camera vans.

They said some of the other offences included dangerous driving, drink/drug driving, no insurance, careless driving, using a mobile phone while driving, not wearing a seatbelt and not having a valid MOT certificate.

Some of the disposals have included fixed penalty points, referrals and reports to the Public Prosecution Service, and speed awareness courses.

Superintendent Jonathan Wilson described the figures as “simply shocking”.

“Too many people aren’t taking road safety seriously, regardless of the potential consequences,” he said.

“Far too many drivers are putting their lives and other roads users lives at risk.”

“Everyone using our roads needs to be mindful of their own safety and the safety of everyone around them.

“To all drivers, our message is remember the fatal five – don’t drink or take drugs and drive; slow down; don’t be careless; always wear your seat belt and never use your mobile phone while driving.”