Novice driver caught speeding at 161kmh along N5 in Mayo
A novice driver has been arrested after being detected travelling at more than 60kmh over the speed limit on the N5 in Charlestown, Co Mayo.
The motorist was caught travelling at 161kmh in a 100kmh zone on New Year’s Eve. They were subsequently arrested and charged with dangerous driving.
Gardaí said road temperatures had fallen to 2C at the time, significantly increasing the risk posed to the driver and other road users.
The Mayo Roads Policing Unit has reminded drivers that speeding at this level puts everyone on the road at risk and has asked motorists to take extra care and allow more time for the journey ahead.
The driver now faces a potential two-year driving disqualification, a fine of up to €5,000 and/or a prison sentence of up to six months.
The arrest comes amid increased Garda enforcement as part of the Christmas Road Safety Campaign, which began on Monday, December 1, 2025, and continues until Monday, January 5, 2026.
During the fourth week of the operation, from Monday, December 22, to Sunday, December 28, three people lost their lives on Irish roads, while eight serious collisions resulted in a number of people sustaining serious or life-threatening injuries.
In that period, more than 4,600 drivers were detected speeding by An Garda Síochána, static safety cameras and mobile safety camera vans operated by GoSafe.
Gardaí also seized over 435 vehicles for a range of offences under the Road Traffic Act, 1961.
Almost 2,100 checkpoints were conducted nationwide, including Mandatory Intoxicant Testing (MIT) and high-visibility policing checkpoints.
A total of 149 people were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
In addition, approximately 150 Fixed Charge Notices were issued for mobile phone use while driving, and a further 45 notices were issued for seat belt offences.
This article has been funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.