W2C-016 Roscommon Herald-1.txt
Garda Crackdown Gains Momentum

As the Garda crackdown on drinking and driving moves into top gear throughout the county publicans have warned that thousands of jobs will be lost unless the Government quickly provides a late night public transport service and eases the penalties under the new legislation.
By Christina McHugh
This week Crime Prevention Officer for the Roscommon/East Galway Garda Division, Sergeant Larry Shine, warned motorists who intend taking a drink over the Christmas period to "arrange to have a competent sober friend" available to drive them home, ensuring that they are properly ensured to do so. "Eliminating excessive speed and drunk driving will make a major contribution towards safer roads," said Sergeant Shine.

Warning of Garda checkpoints on all roads in the county, he reminded motorists that following the new legislation, which came into effect on December 2nd, that a conviction for drunk driving can lead to the imposition of a penalty of £ 1,000 and or six months imprisonment with automatic disqualification from driving for a period of two years for a first offence. "You may have to undergo a driving test before you get your driving licence back or obtain a certificate of fitness," he explained. "People who need a vehicle in their line of business, to get to work or tend to family needs should consider these factors," Sgt. Shine stressed.

However, as the new legislation begins to take its toll on rural publicans in particular, the President of the Vintners Federation of Ireland, Mr. Michael Moloney, stressed that already business is down by almost 50% in some areas since the new drink driving limit was introduced.

Warning of the loss of thousands of jobs, Mr. Moloney said that "this piece of legislation will be the cause of pub closures and job losses around the country because the penalties for enjoying oneself are now so severe that the Irish people are frightened to go out to their local pub or to a friend's house."

He described the situation in rural villages as even "worse than the rest of the country"," adding that people have now become prisoners in their own homes.

Mr. Moloney suggested that the Government should ensure that people are treated more fairly and with more respect. "The government should reduce the penalties and introduce immediately alternative transport arrangements around the country," he said.

"Ordinary people all around the country are frustrated with this new legislation. Normally local politicians would listen to the people of Ireland and act as their voice at national level, but politicians today are too busy looking after their own affairs about being in or out of Government. They are not paying any attention to the things which are causing the destruction of a vital part of Irish culture," claimed Mr. Moloney.

Meanwhile with Christmas shopping in full swing and the January sales just around the corner Gardai ask shoppers to take precautions as regards their personal security and the security of their vehicles.

Sgt. Shine advises the public to bring only the minimum amount of money to meet shopping needs and not to leave goods on view ion unattended vehicles.

"With hazardous driving conditions a likely feature on our roads in the coming weeks, we suggest that now is an appropriate time to check that your vehicle is in a roadworthy condition" said the Sergeant. "Excessive speed is a contributing factor in many road accidents. Motorists should allow sufficient time to complete their journeys and obey the speed limits."

For pedestrians the Gardai have this advice- "walk on the correct side of the roadway. When walking during the house of darkness wear bright coloured outer clothing and wear an armband."
