Drunk driver was clocked speeding at 152km in 100kmph zone in the Sligo/Leitrim area

A Leitrim councillor has stressed that the "speed limit is a not a target" after a suspected drunk driver was clocked speeding in the Sligo/Leitrim area.

The driver was travelling at 142kmph in a 100kmph zone this week while Sligo/Leitrim Roads Policing Units were conducting speed checks as part of a National Day of Action and subsequently failed a roadside breath test for alcohol.

Speaking to the Leitrim Observer, Cllr James Gilmartin said: "The days of drink driving are gone and it's not acceptable at all anymore thankfully and incidents such as these need to be dealt with."

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Cllr Gilmartin continued: "The key thing I always say about the speed limit is that it is not a target; it's a guideline. So people feel like that if you are in a 100kmph zone, you have to hit 100kmph. There are many areas on the road that are not suitable to drive at 100kmph and where you need to drive more slowly. Driver awareness and keeping the correct distance from the car in front of you is also so important."

He stressed: "Speeding can kill people and families are destroyed - not only the families who lose someone but also the person who killed a person."

He urged people to slow down saying that "drivers need to realise that a speed limit is not a target. People feel like they need to be rushing everywhere and you only get once chance and when you make a mistake, it's too late at that stage. It's about creating good habits - giving yourself time."

On the issue of mobile phone use when driving he said that "is something I have a real concern about - especially with younger people. I'd urge drivers to put their phone into the glove box when they get into the car and leave it out of reach and just keep their focus on the road."