Driver makes the 'naughty list' in Laois

A driver found themselves on the Laois Garda naughty list after being stopped in Portlaoise as part of the Christmas road safety campaign. 

According to Gardaí, the motorist had an expired learner permit, was disqualified from driving and gave Gardaí false details. 

“Laois RPU(Roads Policing Unit) conducting a MIT checkpoint last night in Portlaoise stopped this Skoda while testing motorists for alcohol and drugs as part of the Christmas Road Safety Campaign. Unfortunately for this driver, Santa wasn’t the only one checking lists,” Gardaí said.   

They said it wasn’t a case of “just one small mistake” and they described it as a “full festive bundle of bad decisions”. Gardaí said the driver was arrested and the car was seized. 

Meanwhile, the Christmas Road Safety Campaign is continuing with checkpoints throughout the county and a number of people were detected driving under the influence at the weekend.  

“Over the weekend alone, five people were arrested for intoxicated driving. There is no warning, no second chance, and no excuse that works at the roadside,” Gardai stated. 

They urged people who are going out to plan their transport  beforehand and to never ever drink or use drugs and drive. 

Gardaí will have high-visibility Garda checkpoints active nationwide throughout the Christmas period. “Make it home, not to a cell or a courtroom,” Gardaí advised.