A driver with an unsecured load is set to be fined and to appear before court after they were stopped by Gardaí yesterday (Wednesday, February 3rd, 2021).
The motorist was transporting a large stack of timber pallets when brought to a halt by Longford Roads Policing Unit.
Driver with unsecured load
In a statement on Twitter, a spokesperson for An Garda Síochána, said: “Longford Roads Policing Unit stopped this vehicle in Longford Town carrying an unsecured load yesterday.”
“Driver was also discovered to be on a non-essential journey. Fine to follow for non-essential journey and court to follow for unsecured load.”
Transporting loads
Unsecured or inadequately secured loads pose a safety risk and could cause injury and even death, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has reminded motorists.
Unsecured or inadequately secured loads can shift when a vehicle is in motion and may cause:
- Loss of control of vehicle;
- Objects to fall on or hit people;
- Road obstruction or collision where a driver is required to swerve to avoid fallen items;
- Spillages that may cause vehicles to lose control;
- Failure to secure loads properly may also result in financial losses due to damaged goods and vehicles, lost working time, clean-up costs and legal costs.
Loads must be secured even if the vehicle is only travelling a short distance or at low speeds – You can find more information on the RSA’s website.
Covid-19 fines
Meanwhile, An Garda Síochána continues to implement static and roving checkpoints to check on compliance with travel restrictions. Everybody is asked to stay at home unless you have a reasonable excuse for travel.
Gardaí have issued more than 3,500 fines for breaches of Covid-19 public health regulations.
Deputy Commissioner, Policing and Security, John Twomey said, “The vast majority of people continue to comply with the public health regulations. In doing so, they are protecting themselves and others.”
“However, some people continue to engage in behaviour that puts themselves, loved ones, their and neighbours at risk of catching COVID-19.”
“At this stage, no-one can say they aren’t fully aware of the public health advice and the potential dangers – including death and serious illness – of not following that advice.”
Covid-19 fines
As of Monday, February 1st, the following fines can now be issued:
- €500 fine for a person engaged in travel to an airport/ port for the purpose of leaving the state without a reasonable excuse;
- €500 fine for a person organising a house party (previously in place);
- €150 fine for a person found attending house parties (previously in place);
- €100 fine for a person engaged in travel without reasonable excuse (previously in place);
- €80 fine for not wearing face coverings in in certain locations (previously in place).
