Garda Checkpoints

Richie15 · 20-04-2009 12:31pm

Deleted User wrote: »

they're behind you, how can they "make" you go faster.

They can push you. :P

I was just pointing out the other day, I haven't seen a checkpoint since before I got rid of my car! That's not why I haven't seen one, I've stopped driving, doesn't mean I've stopped using the roads.
For months I'd no tax or NCT (and didn't deserve one either!), was crapping myself at every corner "will they be around here?" but nope, didn't see one.

tbh · 20-04-2009 1:18pm

Deleted User wrote: »

I don't have the foggiest notion why people would feel they have to go faster because some idiot is up your hole, tough sh*t for them, they're behind you, how can they "make" you go faster. .

a lot easier than if they were in front of me

And seriously, you can't understand that I would want to go faster if there was a truck a hairs-breath behind me? Maybe you don't agree that I should go faster - fair play - but it's can't be that baffling that I would speed up to try to put some distance between me and him, no? If I had to brake, I'd have his rear wheel embedded in my head, it'd be no use my family thinking "well, at least he was in the right, legally"

20-04-2009 7:12pm

I can understand why you would want to get away from a truck, believe me I know better than most, but he probably would have just sped anyway so you haven't achieved much apart from him going into the back of you at a higher speed.

I'm not part of the high horse brigade by the way, not at all, and I'm not saying you were in the wrong for speeding up, I'm just saying you shouldn't feel you have to - nothing more!

tbh · 20-04-2009 8:10pm

yeah, cheers, i hate having to do it, and I try not to - happened to me today and I didn't speed up specifically because of this thread, so you've a conversion on your hands

igglou · 20-04-2009 8:12pm

I read this thread yesterday and agreed thast it had to be about 5/6 mths since I was stopped at a checkpoint, and then on my way home from Dublin today I meet one on the Kentstown Rd!

Funny thing happened to mam and dad a few weeks back when they were away for the weekend. They came to a T junction, unsure of whether to got left or right, Dad insisted he knew it was left and turned. There was a check point up ahead but my parents weren't taking any notice. Dad then realised ~(shock, horror!!) Mam was right and turned round to go the right way (It does happen that us women get it right sometimes

) Next of all a squad car comes flying up the road after them and pulls them over for thinking they were trying to avoid the checkpoint. After checking the usual tax and stuff, and dad telling the Guard the story, he actually laughed and let them head on.

sdanseo · 20-04-2009 8:19pm

Got stopped and breathalysed 2 days back at a checkpoint in Swords, and have seen more recently over the last year or so when I saw none.

I don't get why anyone would complain about a checkpoint (re a few posts i this thread). I have a massive problem with GATSOs etc because they're put in the worst places, where it's genuinely hard not to speed. They don't have them in locations where accidents happen, they have them where they'll make money. That's nothing short of corrupt in my book. As is the speed limits in most common GATSO or some speed camera spots are far too low.

Checkpoints are a different story. Everyone gets a glance, most egt stopped. Tax, NCT, Insurance and Alcohol are checked - all of which are critical to the safe operation of the car and these prevent accidents, with the exception of tax. My justification for hammering tax dodgers is simple - we all have to pay it, so I'm fúcked if you're going to get away with not doing so. Bit mean, but fair.

tbh · 20-04-2009 8:27pm

I'm in Swords too - I saw a lad flying up the steep hill by the Mayors, heading towards JC's, and he ran into a road check there - he literally left tyre marks on the road trying to stop before hitting them. Fantastic to see them approaching his car

McSpud · 20-04-2009 8:58pm

In my experience checkpoints are only in urban areas. I probably pass through one every month.

I remember previously my NCT was expired for quiet a while & even though I had just done the test (failed but had to get something fixed) I had forgot the letter so didn't want to meet checkpoint on the way home. When I saw one ahead I did a u-turn to do detour but then hit another one closer to home. Two checkpoints within a mile of each other must be a record...

20-04-2009 10:04pm

tbh wrote: »

yeah, cheers, i hate having to do it, and I try not to - happened to me today and I didn't speed up specifically because of this thread, so you've a conversion on your hands

I actually try to slow down gently to to just below the speed limit to give them the idea, they usually pull back a bit but not always. I know I'll get grilled for this but I have been known to stick on my rear fog lights if someone is really close, makes them think you've jammed on but you actually haven't really done anything wrong - except for "press the wrong button officer!"

McSpud wrote: »

In my experience checkpoints are only in urban areas. I probably pass through one every month.
...... When I saw one ahead I did a u-turn to do detour but then hit another one closer to home. Two checkpoints within a mile of each other must be a record...

I've seen checkpoints where there is an unmarked squad car sitting a bit down the road to go after anyone who does a u-turn but that maybe be only in instances when they are looking for someone rather than checking tax etc.

Turner · 20-04-2009 11:01pm

TheNog wrote: »

Nothing that I am aware of, maybe something from the Troubles up north???

Maybe. With most people you can just look at them and they seem ok so you can wave them on, same with local people who you have met on occasion and know are okay.

Good thing we dont ask you to spell as well then

We can only breathilyse a driver at the roadside on two occasions only

1. If the garda believes alcohol may have been consumed but cant get any smell or see the usual signs of being drunk - basically I could stop you after seeing you swerving on the road and your eyes are bloodshot but there is no smell and you are not talking much to me.

2. At a MAT checkpoint can only be set up on authorisation from an Inspector or higher. This instruction sets out location and times of a checkpoint and must be strictly followed.

Or if ther person has committed any road traffic offence, or been involved in a collision.

Tragedy · 21-04-2009 1:25am

Seen lots. Seem to have one in or around Knocklyon at least once a month(15 terminus, the road linking scholarstown road > taylors lane, taylors lane passing between St Enda's and the golf club).

Also passed through one on the N7 last week, but they had signs warning of garda speed checks anyhoo.

BigJonny · 21-04-2009 10:09am

TheNog wrote: »

Maybe. With most people you can just look at them and they seem ok so you can wave them on, same with local people who you have met on occasion and know are okay..

What do you apply your police nose......

TheNog wrote: »

Good thing we dont ask you to spell as well then .

Yeah, is it a master and servant situation. Do you say jump and the little motorist says how high??

TheNog wrote: »

We can only breathilyse a driver at the roadside on two occasions only

1. If the garda believes alcohol may have been consumed but cant get any smell or see the usual signs of being drunk - basically I could stop you after seeing you swerving on the road and your eyes are bloodshot but there is no smell and you are not talking much to me.

2. At a MAT checkpoint can only be set up on authorisation from an Inspector or higher. This instruction sets out location and times of a checkpoint and must be strictly followed.

I think it is absolutely disgraceful that I can be asked to blow into a plastic tube, when no "offence" has been commited. Absolutely degrading, but then again the people love getting degraded, as well as pleasing PC plod.

And another thing. Does anyone actually believe that checkpoints are set up of anyother reason than to check insurance and tax discs???? It is nothing more than revenue generation, just like speed checks.

Drummerboy08 · 21-04-2009 10:13am

Sounds like BigJonny has a BigProblem with the Gardai.

BigJonny · 21-04-2009 10:24am

Drummerboy08 wrote: »

Sounds like BigJonny has a BigProblem with the Gardai.

BigJonny does not bend over. Most of these people do, and what's more they enjoy it.

"everything OK officer" with her best smile. Catch yourself on, love.

Furp · 21-04-2009 10:39am

Interestingly I was up the North last weekend shopping and went through a TAX (and I presume insurance) checkpoint, it is done very differently then down here.

Basically there was a silver estate car parked at the side of the road, it was not a police vehicle but either had council or exchequer markings. in the back windscreen was a scrolling LED display with Road Tax checkpoint displayed and behind the vehicle was a camera on a tripod.

It looked like it was completely automated as there was no one in the vehicle so I presume fines just get sent in the post.

Compared to 2 weeks ago on my trip home on the N3 where on the new section or road between Clonee and Fairhouse there was a massive Garda checkpoint, with vans, cars and motorbikes, about 12 Gardai and flashing strobes on the road, they seemd to be just checking tax and insurance and maybe also looking for vrt dodgers as there a few customs people as well. This type of operation is a lot more costly then having an automated system with one vehicle.

BigJonny · 21-04-2009 10:43am

Furp wrote: »

Basically there was a silver estate car parked at the side of the road, it was not a police vehicle but either had council or exchequer markings. in the back windscreen was a scrolling LED display with Road Tax checkpoint displayed and behind the vehicle was a camera on a tripod.

It looked like it was completely automated as there was no one in the vehicle so I presume fines just get sent in the post.

Just before the roundabout at McDonalds in Newry, I bet.

Parked there all the time. It is the ANPR camera. Everyone not on the database will get a fine in the post. Welcome to the police state.

Last two times I passed, I noticed the two boys sleeping in the front.

Our lads are ready to introduce these. Ever noticed the overhead cameras on everylane on the malahide road, on the M1??

tbh · 21-04-2009 10:43am

BigJonny wrote: »

BigJonny does not bend over. Most of these people do, and what's more they enjoy it.

"everything OK officer" with her best smile. Catch yourself on, love.

quite the rebel Jonny, good man yourself.

BigJonny · 21-04-2009 10:45am

tbh wrote: »

quite the rebel Jonny, good man yourself.

I'm no rebel. I just refuse to be degraded by these clowns.

TheNog · 21-04-2009 12:59pm

BigJonny wrote: »

What do you apply your police nose......

I dont understand what you trying to say here

Yeah, is it a master and servant situation. Do you say jump and the little motorist says how high??

Did you not see the smiley beside my comment?
The smiley you left out of the quote?

I think it is absolutely disgraceful that I can be asked to blow into a plastic tube, when no "offence" has been commited. Absolutely degrading, but then again the people love getting degraded, as well as pleasing PC plod.

Oh yeah I get great pleasure degrading people :rolleyes:

And another thing. Does anyone actually believe that checkpoints are set up of anyother reason than to check insurance and tax discs???? It is nothing more than revenue generation, just like speed checks.

Explain please. What revenue generation?

Tigger · 21-04-2009 1:12pm

BigJonny wrote: »

I think it is absolutely disgraceful that I can be asked to blow into a plastic tube, when no "offence" has been commited. Absolutely degrading, but then again the people love getting degraded, as well as pleasing PC plod.

now i'm as free living as anyone but where is the implication with being asked to blow into a brethaliser ?

And another thing. Does anyone actually believe that checkpoints are set up of anyother reason than to check insurance and tax discs???? It is nothing more than revenue generation, just like speed checks.

if you can't see the speed checks then you shouldn't be speeding

re insurance: you should not be on the road uninsured

re tax; it is of course revenue collection (they call the tax man the revenue inspector)

68coupe · 21-04-2009 1:14pm

BigJonny wrote: »

I'm no rebel. I just refuse to be degraded by these clowns.

careful lad, there's a lot of lads on here who are very high up on their high horses, nosebleed high, and no matter what you say you'll be wrong...;),

Where were you to defend me when I was making my rant!!! I got slaughtered!!
Dual carriageways/motorways equal easy kills..........simple..........police come out looking great, we busted this amount of "speeding" drivers last month, (I was actually called a "lunatic" on here for doing 70 on a dual carriageway....very sad)...and the government make a killing off it...........end of. I would love to see the figures if any of you guys have them for the ratio of crashes/accidents on standard/link roads, to the amount of crashes/accidents on dual carriageways and motorways.....

Sure there ARE plenty of muppets on the road, but concentrate on them please..........and leave us, with the clean licence for 10years, and actually know where its safe to drive at any form of high speed......even an insane 70mph on a dual carriageway.....alone.

The country is littered with ****e drivers on ****e roads, I put up high mileage each week and witness first hand from the idiot overtaking going round a bend, to the pensioner crossing over a road 200metres before their turn off.......the tractors with no rear lights driving at night, to the goons who drive right up your bumper trying to bully...the crawling car you almost pummel into that's doing 20mph at the end of a long corner...to the people who just can't see beyond the bonnet!! Or how about the driver that NAILS the brake every single time a car comes towards them, at the other side of the road???Our driving test isn't severe enough. In Canada they do 3 practical exams as well as the written test. City driving, night time driving and dual carriageway/motorway driving. Over here, you fail, say "Oh Well", and drive home........ridiculous...I would also be a fan of bringing in continuous assessment, say like every 7-10 years, you do a re-test?

I know the police must witness some insane stuff on the roads, I know I have.......but its those people who need to be taken aside and helped or dealt with..............nabbing people on the motorways is shooting fish in a barrel, and I for one think its pathetic..........

I'm ALL for police presence on the roads........but catch the bad guys!!

sorry if I put anyone out here, but maybe yee need to take a bottle of cop on and relax.........

Tigger · 21-04-2009 1:19pm

BigJonny wrote: »

BigJonny does not bend over. Most of these people do, and what's more they enjoy it.

"everything OK officer" with her best smile. Catch yourself on, love.

i don't bend over

i'm male i dress casually and i drive a fast car so i keep my lisence handy cos the cops always wanna see it alsong with the three tickets on the car (tax ins nct)

one guy goes to his mate "look he has his lisence all ready for me"

sure he was a saddo but i don't really think he was "bending me over"

Tigger · 21-04-2009 1:21pm

68coupe wrote: »

I'm ALL for police presence on the roads........but catch the bad guys!!

those who have no tax no lisence and no nct are bad guys

re. badly trained drivers ; very hard to police , the enforcement of the rules of the road has to be done on the percentages

stealthyspeeder · 21-04-2009 2:08pm

68coupe wrote: »

careful lad, there's a lot of lads on here who are very high up on their high horses, nosebleed high, and no matter what you say you'll be wrong...;).

:D:D HA HA HA!! I've encountered them before too!

Hooch · 21-04-2009 3:18pm

68coupe wrote: »

granted, perhaps I'm guilty of generalising, but I hope you can appreciate the massive frustration, and the apparent inconcistencies in the traffic corp especially. One of my best mates is in the police. All I'm asking for is common sense and decency to prevail. Bust the REAL criminals.

Get real man....remember real criminals drive cars too!!!

How about you were coming down the road at 70 and a kid ran onto the carrigway....yes it does happen. What if you hit the child.........real criminals.........think prevention of road deaths deserve alot more attention
My opinion

Berty · 21-04-2009 3:57pm

Here is a image of a checkpoint in Perth Australia

This is in fact a Beer Bus where the check ever single driver and support drivers of L drivers and R Drivers. Every car gets checked and people close to the limit are pulled over onto a side road and marched into the bus where they are subjected to further tests. If they fail the bus then they are processed in the bus and told to leave the car and go home. Somebody else can collect the car as their license will be cancelled immediately.

Best of all. If you beg for your license and can prove you need it for work they will give you a $2000(€1120) fine and give you an E license and then in 6 months retest you for and you have to go back through the R and L license scenario like a newbie. Best of all for us non idiots(whom do not drive and drive) you get to park next to them in traffic with their E plate knowing they are a F*CKING IDIOT!!

Henry Ford III · 21-04-2009 4:14pm

ANPR equipped squad car spotted in Limerick.

timmywex · 21-04-2009 10:29pm

Just after saying i hadnt come across a checkpoint in ages, low and behold theres one near the bottom of my road today, 3 gardai at the junction, they were just waving everyone through all the same, on the lookout for someone!

Jesus. · 08-12-2013 5:48pm

When do the Guards start rolling out the Christmas checkpoints?

Is there a set date or is it a gradual thing?

MarkR · 08-12-2013 5:57pm

Zombie jesus!

Boaty · 08-12-2013 6:09pm

Jesus. wrote: »

When do the Guards start rolling out the Christmas checkpoints?

Is there a set date or is it a gradual thing?

Ask Garda Traffic on Twitter:)

YbFocus · 08-12-2013 6:12pm

What is with all the threads coming back to life today

Jesus. · 08-12-2013 6:13pm

Boaty wrote: »

Ask Garda Traffic on Twitter:)

I'm not on Twitter, that's why I'm asking y'all! :P

Boaty · 08-12-2013 6:16pm

Jesus. wrote: »

I'm not on Twitter, that's why I'm asking y'all! :P

Well lets just say they started already- There was a mandatory breathaliser test in Swords the othernight.

Jesus. · 08-12-2013 6:19pm

Boaty wrote: »

Well lets just say they started already- There was a mandatory breathaliser test in Swords the othernight.

Coming in from the M1 at Airside I bet?

AerynSun · 08-12-2013 6:29pm

Jesus. wrote: »

When do the Guards start rolling out the Christmas checkpoints?

Is there a set date or is it a gradual thing?

There were late-night checkpoints on Merrion Road and Pembroke Road on 5/6 December, pulling over everything that wasn't a taxi. Say that means the festive season is in full swing.

TestTransmission · 08-12-2013 6:57pm

Jesus. wrote: »

I'm not on Twitter, that's why I'm asking y'all! :P

Don't dig up old threads

Garda Checkpoints

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