Help Support Cork Safety Alerts – Donate the price of a coffee here via Stripe: https://csalert.ie/donate
As part of An Garda Síochána’s ongoing commitment to road safety, a new online Traffic Watch reporting form is now available on Garda.ie. This form replaces the Traffic Watch number, which was first established in 2001 and expanded nationwide in 2004.
Traffic Watch is a partnership approach with all road users aimed at improving driver behaviour, reducing road collisions, and preventing fatalities. Members of the public can report non-emergency traffic-related incidents using the online reporting form, which went live on the Garda webpage on 8th August.
In emergency situations, members of the public should continue to call 999/112.
These online reports are logged by Garda Staff at the Garda Information Services Centre (GISC), who then forward the report to the Superintendent in the relevant Community Engagement Area for further action. The Superintendent will appoint a member of An Garda Síochána to investigate the Traffic Watch complaint.
The investigating member will contact the complainant to:
- Establish the complainant’s version of events
- Determine if there are other witnesses to the alleged incident
- Discuss the possible actions available
- Take a written statement of complaint
If, following the investigation, an offence is believed to be disclosed, a file is submitted to the Superintendent, who will decide what action, if any, is to be taken. In all instances, the complainant will be notified of the outcome of their complaint.
Assistant Commissioner Paula Hilman, Roads Policing and Community Engagement, said:
“Traffic Watch has been in existence for over 20 years. Traffic Watch has been important over the years in providing an opportunity where responsible and safe road users can report aggressive and careless drivers, empowering responsible road users to work with An Garda Síochána in enhancing road safety for all.
The online reporting form provides an updated process through which members of the public can report non-emergency information to An Garda Síochána. In an emergency situation, road users should always contact 999/112.”
Background
Traffic Watch was first launched in 2001 in the South East of the country and expanded nationally in 2004. In the past 10 years, Traffic Watch has received over 45,000 calls. The number of calls received each year is as follows:
- 2015: 4,525
- 2016: 4,256
- 2017: 4,393
- 2018: 4,609
- 2019: 4,464
- 2020: 3,476
- 2021: 3,597
- 2022: 3,438
- 2023: 5,511
- 2024: 2,716* (up to end of June 2024)
The new online reporting form is expected to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of Traffic Watch, making it easier for the public to contribute to road safety.