Podcasts

"What is the purpose of your journey?" Henry at a Garda Checkpoint

Since the 11th of January the Gardai have issued hundreds of €100 fines to people breaching the 5KM limit. Henry McKean spent the morning with the Gardai at a checkpoint on the Meath – Dublin border to find out what excuses motorists, cyclists and pedestrians are giving. Gardai in New Ross stopped a car with 5 people on board outside a 5km travel limit without a reasonable excuse and were fined €100. The checkpoints could continue until late February with Level 5 possibly being extended.  The fixed charge penalty notice will arrive in the post and you will have 28 days to pay it. Gardaí say it will no longer consult with the Director of Public Prosecutions before issuing these fines. They will continue to engage, explain, encourage before handing out the fine as a last resort. Motorway checkpoints are now gone and they are all on roads off the motorway. Henry McKean met Sergeant Cillian Duffy based at Balbriggan Garda station and Garda Joe Callan.  see more