BMW driver dectected doing 172kph in Laois at the weekend

A BMW was arrested after being detected driving at 172 kph in Laois at the weekend.

The motorist was driving a northern registered BMW X5.

Gardaí said the driver was arrested and has since been charged. They are expected to appear at Portlaoise District Court in relation to the incident.

Gardaí conducted a major national operation focused on speeding, intoxicated driving, mobile phone and seatbelt use.

To date, a total of 169 people were arrested for driving under the influence of an intoxicant (alcohol and drugs).

Just over 4,400 drivers were detected for speeding offences during the first five days of the operation.

During the first five days, just over 370 drivers were detected holding a mobile phone or not wearing a seatbelt.