Garda checkpoints have uncovered almost 39,000 road safety offences since the start of the National Road Safety Initiative, which was announced in July.
Some 8,000 on-the-spot fines have been imposed to date, and 180 defective vehicles seized, according to figures released by the Garda Press Office. More than 2,500 checkpoints have been mounted so far, with 22,385 vehicles subjected to "thorough examination". The statistics are for the first two phases of the initiative which focused on the use of seat belts; general roadworthiness of cars and motorcycles; goods vehicles; and public transport.