Ballina Gardaí successfully tackle boyracers

Ballina Garda successfully tackle modified cars problem


Anna-Marie Flynn

BALLINA gardai have attributed the success of a recent operation targeting issues with modified cars to the Joint Policing Committee (JPC) system. 
Sergeant Tony Lavelle of Ballina Garda Station told last week’s JPC meeting that a recent operation, focusing on modified cars in the town centre, had resulted in a dramatic decrease in problems associated with the souped-up vehicles.
Carried out over a specific period from September 26 to October 10, the operation saw a total of 63 intercepts of cars during the time frame. In all, 18 people were detected with non-conforming number plates or noisy exhausts; many of whom were cautioned.
In addition, 24 road traffic offences were recorded including issues with lights; while five people were detected driving unaccompanied while on a driver learner permit. There was also one detection of dangerous driving and two detections of driving without insurance.
The operation saw two vehicles seized and 11 on-the-spot fines for use of mobile phones while driving or running red lights.
Sgt Lavelle told the meeting the operation was hugely successful. “We put together this focused plan as a direct result of the JPC and when it was brought to the attention of the Garda Chief Superintendent in Mayo, he advised it be rolled out throughout the county. It certainly has assisted in this issue, even though we face an ongoing battle with these type of vehicles,” he said.
Garda Inspector Joe Doherty concurred that the operation was highly successful and said a similar focused campaign may be rolled out once again in the new year. “Modified vehicles are certainly not as prevalent or as noisy as they were and that is thanks to the system of the JPC,” he said.
Representatives of the public and elected members took the opportunity to pay tribute to the work of the Gardai in tackling this issue.