Any garda checkpoints out today?

beolight · 05-07-2008 12:58am

Sigh....When I read the title of the thread I was hoping that finally there might be some info on check-point locations or personal experiences regarding meeting the guards while unaccompanied. Alas, after skimming through 4-5 pages there was not one post relating to the thread title, just lots of waffle that has been posted in numerous threads already. No wonder a thread like this can't last longer than 20 posts in motors.
Pity.

/End rant

me too:)

anyways they were checking yesterday on ashbourne to drogheda road i.e via duleek

I havnt taken my L-plates down and i'm waiting on my second test.I passed two cop cars and a motorbike guard doing a speed check under a bridge today and they didnt stop me or hassle me in any way.I honestly think they guards have enough to be doing without hassling learner drivers provided you dont come to thier attention in some stupid way.Obviously i dont want to tempt fate and i just want to get the test passed so i can stop driving on tenterhooks.

what bridge where they at?

The Artist · 05-07-2008 1:01am

peachystarr wrote: »

You wouldnt smoke in a pub now and look at all the talk people went on with when the ban came in saying it wouldnt work, well it has and perfectly.

it hasnt worked perfectly for the regulars who smoked in the pubs.

Degsy · 05-07-2008 1:18am

beolight wrote: »

me too:)

anyways they were checking yesterday on ashbourne to drogheda road i.e via duleek

what bridge where they at?

the dual carriageway at finglas

Rb · 05-07-2008 1:44am

Any first provisional driver going around with no plates or without a fully licenced driver deserve anything they get. It was the law initially that first provisionals had to be accompanied so if anything, the gardaí should come down heavier on them than the second provisionals.

flanum · 05-07-2008 1:50am

anally retentive society says "+1" to rb!

bigpinkelephant · 05-07-2008 3:04am

SheroN wrote: »

Untill they have waiting times down to a week or two there should be some good will shown. There is still people waiting 10+ weeks.

That's like saying if someone is on the dole and does not get enough benefits to live at a standard they please, they should be allowed to take stock from shops without the Guards charging them, for "good will".

Because in your opinion it seems that the Government aren't doing well enough in their eyes then it gives them an excuse to break the law....

flanum · 05-07-2008 3:11am

bigpinkelephant wrote: »

That's like saying if someone is on the dole and does not get enough benefits to live at a standard they please, they should be allowed to take stock from shops without the Guards charging them, for "good will".

Because in your opinion it seems that the Government aren't doing well enough in their eyes then it gives them an excuse to break the law....

hey dont forget this is ireland... were excused from a lot of the rest of the real worlds laws.... because were irish!

The_Conductor · 05-07-2008 9:08am

Rb wrote: »

Any first provisional driver going around with no plates or without a fully licenced driver deserve anything they get. It was the law initially that first provisionals had to be accompanied so if anything, the gardaí should come down heavier on them than the second provisionals.

What does whether the learner driver is accompanied or not have to do with the display of L plates? It has always been the law, without any exceptions, that any learner driver, irrespective of which provisional license they may be driving on, has to display Learner Plates on their vehicle. The Gardai should nail anyone not displaying plates. Whether they are accompanied or not is a totally seperate matter.

tallaght01 · 05-07-2008 9:31am

smccarrick wrote: »

The Gardai should nail anyone not displaying plates. Whether they are accompanied or not is a totally seperate matter.

I personally don't think the gardai should be having sex with people just because they're not displaying their proper plates. Call me old fashioned, but it's just my opinion :pac:

Degsy · 05-07-2008 10:51am

People on thier second provisional license shouldnt be driving on motorways as they are still learners.Also they are the ones who caused the change in legislation as they have either not bothered to apply for the test or failed it consistently.

Maddison · 05-07-2008 11:01am

God Almighty, I thought that this thread was about ""any garda checkpoints out today''and as per other threads its swings into a big debacle about L plates and L plate driver bashing.....any chance of sticking to the point people please??Thanks.
Garda checkpoint at Dual Carriageway in Finglas today.

From a fully licensed driver(not that it has anything to do with the title of the thread)that was once a learner driver as per everyone else

dlofnep · 05-07-2008 12:14pm

I got stopped 2 days ago - I had just passed my test that morning so I had my cert with me. Happy days.

The Artist · 05-07-2008 2:52pm

dlofnep wrote: »

I got stopped 2 days ago - I had just passed my test that morning so I had my cert with me. Happy days.

feels good when youve passed your test rather with L plates shown get the guards attention but your in the clear.
well done passing ye test.

dlofnep · 05-07-2008 3:24pm

Thanks. Yeah, I asked the guy at the test centre if I should keep the plates up until my license came in the post. He said the gardai hadn't clarified it with the test cente yet and to just keep them up just incase. The gardai might pull me over more often until I get it, but I feel alot more comfortable now with the cert, instead of worrying about getting stopped.

DonJose · 05-07-2008 5:54pm

dlofnep wrote: »

Thanks. Yeah, I asked the guy at the test centre if I should keep the plates up until my license came in the post. He said the gardai hadn't clarified it with the test cente yet and to just keep them up just incase. The gardai might pull me over more often until I get it, but I feel alot more comfortable now with the cert, instead of worrying about getting stopped.

Even though you passed the test, I thought you still had to have a qualified driver with you.

dlofnep · 05-07-2008 6:00pm

DonJose wrote: »

Even though you passed the test, I thought you still had to have a qualified driver with you.

I asked the Garda about it and she said - just to have the cert with me and I'll be ok. But if you can get some clarity on that, it would be cool.

DonJose · 05-07-2008 6:04pm

dlofnep wrote: »

I asked the Garda about it and she said - just to have the cert with me and I'll be ok. But if you can get some clarity on that, it would be cool.

But what will the next Garda say, this is from the RSA site

Q: Must I be accompanied when I hold a certificate of competency but do not hold a full driving licence.
A: Yes, you are required to be accompanied.

dlofnep · 05-07-2008 6:08pm

Alright cheers. I have a feeling that the Gardai aren't too sure about it and I doubt they would say anything. But thanks either way.

Rb · 05-07-2008 7:21pm

smccarrick wrote: »

What does whether the learner driver is accompanied or not have to do with the display of L plates? It has always been the law, without any exceptions, that any learner driver, irrespective of which provisional license they may be driving on, has to display Learner Plates on their vehicle. The Gardai should nail anyone not displaying plates. Whether they are accompanied or not is a totally seperate matter.

Oh yeah I agree and am aware of that. Obviously anyone driving with LPlates (myself included though I've stopped driving unless it's absolutely necessary since the new law has came in) gets what they deserve. However, my point was that though some leniency may be shown to those who've got their test letter with them or whatever, I think if someone on a first provisional is driving unaccompanied AND has no L plates up, they should be slapped with the €2k fine regardless of whether their test is a few hours away or a month away.

dlofnep wrote: »

Alright cheers. I have a feeling that the Gardai aren't too sure about it and I doubt they would say anything. But thanks either way.

Doubt they'll do anything about it. Maybe some guard who's having a really, really bad day, but I doubt the majority would do anything given that you've officially passed the test and are merely waiting for the licence to be delivered.

dlofnep · 05-07-2008 7:28pm

Rb wrote: »

Doubt they'll do anything about it. Maybe some guard who's having a really, really bad day, but I doubt the majority would do anything given that you've officially passed the test and are merely waiting for the licence to be delivered.

Aye yeah, the garda was actually cool about it. She said congrats when I showed her the cert and told me to drive on. I really don't think they would mind at all - But you're right, if they were in a bad mood and really wanted to do something, I'm sure they could.. Although chances of that happening are slim.

Fighting Irish · 05-07-2008 7:48pm

no, none at all, i think the gardai took the day off

Fighting Irish · 05-07-2008 7:50pm

They need to add driving lessons to secondary schools, and get rid of religion, or at least let you choose which one

Steve · 05-07-2008 10:44pm

Rb wrote: »

Oh yeah I agree and am aware of that. Obviously anyone driving with LPlates (myself included though I've stopped driving unless it's absolutely necessary since the new law has came in) gets what they deserve. However, my point was that though some leniency may be shown to those who've got their test letter with them or whatever, I think if someone on a first provisional is driving unaccompanied AND has no L plates up, they should be slapped with the €2k fine regardless of whether their test is a few hours away or a month away.

+100

It's one thing taking a chance driving as a learner, it's a different thing doing so with intent to deceive.

L plates are there to tell other motorists that a learner is driving and they might not be experienced enough to deal with every situation so naturally they are given some leeway.

IMO, it's a bit like the difference between 'murder' and 'manslaughter'.

techdiver · 07-07-2008 10:01am

DonJose wrote: »

But what will the next Garda say, this is from the RSA site

Q: Must I be accompanied when I hold a certificate of competency but do not hold a full driving licence.
A: Yes, you are required to be accompanied.

Fabulous law!

Makes me laugh. You've passed your test but until they give you a different coloured license you cannot drive unaccompanied.

Joke!

Steve_o · 07-07-2008 10:12am

techdiver wrote: »

Fabulous law!

Makes me laugh. You've passed your test but until they give you a different coloured license you cannot drive unaccompanied.

Joke!

+1

Its pretty ridiculous seen as how its a 'Certificate of Competence' for driving.

The_Conductor · 07-07-2008 10:50am

Steve_o wrote: »

+1

Its pretty ridiculous seen as how its a 'Certificate of Competence' for driving.

I don't see how its a joke.

You are required to hold a valid driving licence, or a learners permit to drive on the road. Until such time as you exchange your Certificate of Competence for a Full Drivers Licence you continue to drive under the terms and conditions governing the Learner's Permit- which require you to have a fully licensed driver accompany you on the road.

If your full drivers license lapses at some point in the future- despite the fact that you may have had a full license for a number of years, you are not licensed to drive on the road, and can be taken to court over it, if you do so.

If your Certificate of Competence lapses before you exchange it- you have to do the test again. If your learners permit lapses you can be required to submit a fresh eyesight test and/or doctor's cert along with resitting the theory test.

Its not a joke. If you want to drive unaccompanied on the road- get a full EU drivers license, period. A Certificate of Competence is not a License. A Learner's Permit is not a license. A salmon pink EU License for particular road categories is a license. Its not rocket science.

It takes all of a couple of days to get the license in the post. Any sane Garda isn't going to throw the book at you if its in the post- if you have actually sent it away (or queued at the Motor Tax Office) that is. If its sitting in the glove compartment gathering dust- thats a different story.

Its not a joke- its the law, plain and simple.

Steve_o · 07-07-2008 10:54am

smccarrick wrote: »

I don't see how its a joke.

You are required to hold a valid driving licence, or a learners permit to drive on the road. Until such time as you exchange your Certificate of Competence for a Full Drivers Licence you continue to drive under the terms and conditions governing the Learner's Permit- which require you to have a fully licensed driver accompany you on the road.

If your full drivers license lapses at some point in the future- despite the fact that you may have had a full license for a number of years, you are not licensed to drive on the road, and can be taken to court over it, if you do so.

If your Certificate of Competence lapses before you exchange it- you have to do the test again. If your learners permit lapses you can be required to submit a fresh eyesight test and/or doctor's cert along with resitting the theory test.

Its not a joke. If you want to drive unaccompanied on the road- get a full EU drivers license, period. A Certificate of Competence is not a License. A Learner's Permit is not a license. A salmon pink EU License for particular road categories is a license. Its not rocket science.

It takes all of a couple of days to get the license in the post. Any sane Garda isn't going to throw the book at you if its in the post- if you have actually sent it away (or queued at the Motor Tax Office) that is. If its sitting in the glove compartment gathering dust- thats a different story.

Its not a joke- its the law, plain and simple.

Who said it was a joke? I'm merely saying the law is a bit ridiculous, if your certified as competent to drive by the RSA then you shouldn't be treated the same as a learner driver who hasn't yet been deemed a competent driver.

ps. I have my full licence if your wondering.

The_Conductor · 07-07-2008 11:00am

Sorry- it was techdiver who called it a joke......

Steve_o · 07-07-2008 11:03am

smccarrick wrote: »

Sorry- it was techdiver who called it a joke......

Ah right... fair enough so.

The Artist · 07-07-2008 4:05pm

Went to cork today and used the motorway.
I saw a few learner driver on the motorway and thought bloody ejits as they have to go through the toll checkpoint and surely they be caught there.
Came acrooss to pay the toll and a learner driver was behind me and said to meself no luck for this guy now.
once away from the barrier and looked at my mirror.
They left him through?
1 mile on as there is no turn off there was a motorcycle guardi ahead.
This fellas still behind me and surely the guardi have to stop him now.
Nope the fella passed me out with his L plates clear to see and never got stopped.
i thought wtf????:(

07-07-2008 4:47pm

snafu, why should a change in the law change anything :rolleyes:

Wertz · 07-07-2008 5:23pm

Why would the toll booth operators not let an L-plater on to the motorway? They're not law enforcement, they're tax collectors...

SheroN · 07-07-2008 5:28pm

Also if you're not an L driver yourself, why does it bother you so much?

The_Conductor · 07-07-2008 5:40pm

Wertz wrote: »

Why would the toll booth operators not let an L-plater on to the motorway? They're not law enforcement, they're tax collectors...

Its a toll, not a tax

They work for a private company......

Fighting Irish · 07-07-2008 5:42pm

The Artist wrote: »

Went to cork today and used the motorway.
I saw a few learner driver on the motorway and thought bloody ejits as they have to go through the toll checkpoint and surely they be caught there.
Came acrooss to pay the toll and a learner driver was behind me and said to meself no luck for this guy now.
once away from the barrier and looked at my mirror.
They left him through?
1 mile on as there is no turn off there was a motorcycle guardi ahead.
This fellas still behind me and surely the guardi have to stop him now.
Nope the fella passed me out with his L plates clear to see and never got stopped.
i thought wtf????:(

i use to drive my brothers car which had L plates when i was a full license driver :eek:

Fighting Irish · 07-07-2008 5:45pm

Wertz wrote: »

Why would the toll booth operators not let an L-plater on to the motorway? They're not law enforcement, they're tax collectors...

by what he was saying i presumed that there were gardai at the toll booths

if he taught that toll booth operates were gonna stop someone with L plates driving on the motorway then lol @ him

Wertz · 07-07-2008 5:48pm

The only reason there should be gardaí around the toll booth is to arrest NTR officials for crimes against humanity...

smccarrick wrote: »

Its a toll, not a tax
They work for a private company......

Same difference in my eyes, however wrong the terminology. It's our public representatives that have allowed a private company to build critical infrastructure and price it accordingly to Jo Public who has probably already paid for it multiple times...so to me it's a tax, just the kind of tax for which there is little return benefit...

j1smithy · 07-07-2008 7:10pm

Wertz wrote: »

The only reason there should be gardaí around the toll booth is to arrest NTR officials for crimes against humanity...

Same difference in my eyes, however wrong the terminology. It's our public representatives that have allowed a private company to build critical infrastructure and price it accordingly to Jo Public who has probably already paid for it multiple times...so to me it's a tax, just the kind of tax for which there is little return benefit...

The benefit is that it doesn't take as long to get from A to B before the road was built

The_Conductor · 07-07-2008 7:12pm

j1smithy wrote: »

The benefit is that it doesn't take as long to get from A to B before the road was built

Depending on the length of the stretch of road, and people's driving habits, its entirely possible that you may pay for the toll in fuel saved by cruising at an economical speed on the good road.........

07-07-2008 7:14pm

smccarrick wrote: »

Depending on the length of the stretch of road, and people's driving habits, its entirely possible that you may pay for the toll in fuel saved by cruising at an economical speed on the good road.........

The way fuel prices are going that may well be true..

Wertz · 07-07-2008 8:16pm

j1smithy wrote: »

The benefit is that it doesn't take as long to get from A to B before the road was built

O rly?

In many cases the new route is the only feasible method to get between those two points as well, due to state of repair of the older route, bottlenecks and resultant traffic delays due to volume, so motorists are faced with having to use the tolled road, as the alternative is not viable...this whilst they pay tax through the nose on the purchase of their vehicle, it's taxation and tax on fuel...meanwhile many of the motorways that have tolled sections or bridges were paid for using structural grants from the EU for which the country gave up other benefits.
On a particular stretch of road I used use, one which anyone travelling from the North to Dublin would use, I was paying 3.60 a day, every day...that's 18 quid a week or 900 a year...almost 3 times the car tax I was paying at the time...for one section of road. God forbid you then had to use the east link or the M50...
This whole PPP building bullsh*t is jobs for the boys facilitated by both local and national government and is an insult to the normal guy who gets to pay twice and sometimes thrice for a vital piece of infrastructure. Oh yeah and they also get to keep paying for it long after any initial cost borne by the provider of the route has since been paid off...

Sorry for the OT but the structure and implementation of tolled road system in this country gets on my wick...

j1smithy · 08-07-2008 12:15am

The problem with the M50, was that it was too successful. The only way they can fix is to increase capacity (which they are doing) and vastly increase tolls. Hopefully the latter will come soon, thats the traffic engineer in me talking. Unless people are forced to use the alternative route (and there is always an alternative route to tolled roads under an EU directive) congestion will only get worse (transport economics 101)

Apologies to the OP for going off topic, just annoys me when people say the tolls are the problem, when reality its the volume and tolls are the solution.

The Artist · 08-07-2008 12:21am

SheroN wrote: »

Also if you're not an L driver yourself, why does it bother you so much?

it dosent bother me at all its just the way they are getting away with the new law that has been brought in.

The Artist · 08-07-2008 12:23am

Fighting Irish wrote: »

by what he was saying i presumed that there were gardai at the toll booth

exactly the point.

Steve · 08-07-2008 12:25am

j1smithy wrote: »

The problem with the M50, was that it was too successful. The only way they can fix is to increase capacity (which they are doing) and vastly increase tolls. Hopefully the latter will come soon, thats the traffic engineer in me talking. Unless people are forced to use the alternative route (and there is always an alternative route to tolled roads under an EU directive) congestion will only get worse (transport economics 101)

Apologies to the OP for going off topic, just annoys me when people say the tolls are the problem, when reality its the volume and tolls are the solution.

What alternative route exists to the west link?

DenMan · 08-07-2008 12:37am

Still no sign of anybody getting caught in Sligo. Plenty of cars and bikes going past but no arrests....as of yet!!!

JupiterKid · 08-07-2008 12:41am

I was stopped at a gardai checkpoint tonight in West Dublin and (I have my full licence BTW) I was asked for my driving licence, and told that they were prosecuting L drivers to the full extent. Several cars were pulled over to the side of the road. The traffic jam for the checkpoint was very slow as they were checking ALL cars.

L drivers ... be warned.

j1smithy · 08-07-2008 12:45am

SteveC wrote: »

What alternative route exists to the west link?

I'm not overly familiar, but i believe a route exists somewhere between lucan leixlip and chapelizod. Then again for certain you can definitely travel through the city centre for free.

The_Conductor · 08-07-2008 7:17am

SteveC wrote: »

What alternative route exists to the west link?

Take the road through Lucan village towards Clonee, branch at Westmanstown for Blanchardstown, keep going straight the backroad for the Navan Road, or go inbound and then through Finglas/Santry for the airport/M1 north.

You would either need to be just a little mad to do it- or have no alternate......

Miss Pinky · 08-07-2008 11:02am

My brother was pulled On Saturday night on the Claremorris By-pass around twelve at night asked for his full licence and had to do a breath test funny considering he dosent drink!!:D
I think its the third time he been "bagged"!!!
Just hope there are checking the ones that do drink and drive

Any garda checkpoints out today?

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