Gardai in East Cork will continue to operate the current high level of random checkpoints into October, Youghal garda Barry Storey told listeners to the force’s Saturday report on Community Radio Youghal. The garda said up to three checkpoints a night maybe conducted in specific targeting of drink driving. Christy Parker reports

The ratio of cars stopped depends on the level of traffic, he added. The checks are dictated by Midleton Superintendent Flor Horan but, it emerged, a breath test conducted even one minute outside the allocated time can result in a subsequent failure to convict.

Slippery roads…

Meanwhile Garda Storey urged drivers to respect greasy road conditions due to the fluctuating dry/wet weather patterns. He said a Waterford-bound car recently skidded and crashed while negotiating the sharp bend into Youghal bridge and a van and trailer jack-knifed on the Youghal bypass in similar circumstances.

Traffic jams…

Traffic on Youghal’s main street is at times barely moving, let alone skidding, due to illegal parking on double yellow lines, the garda proceeded. “One car obstructing traffic like this can prevent a bus or truck from passing and cause a tailback for half an hour,” he said, “I’d urge drivers to use car parks.”

Petrol thefts…

Drivers filling and departing without petrol stations without paying has become increasingly prevalent in the Youghal area. Detection is relatively high however due to CCTV on forecourts.

Dud cheques…

Bouncing cheques are also in increasing problem for businesses generally in the area, and the garda advised retailers not to accept cheques from strangers unless fully assured that there funds to meet them.