Traffic Watch — the Garda phone line for reporting dangerous driving — has been replaced with a new online reporting form which is now live on Garda.ie.
The online Traffic Watch system — garda.ie/en/trafficwatchreport — will allow road users to report non-emergency traffic-related incidents using the online reporting form. Members of the public are reminded that 999/112 should be used to report ongoing offences which amount to an emergency situation.
The incidents which are reportable online include those which could be reported to Traffic Watch over the phone, including speeding, dangerous driving, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, careless driving or driving without due care and attention, mobile phone use, dangerous overtaking, ignoring traffic lights or signs, vehicles with unsafe loads, dangerous faults, parking offences, a learner driver driving unaccompanied, and insurance, NCT and tax offences.
Unlike other junctions, the form does not replace making statements in person, with the description part limited to 300 words.
It also does not currently include any ability to upload images or videos, although the Gardaí have said that they are working on an upload portal alongside a digital evidence management system. It is understood that the online Traffic Watch and uploading portal systems will be linked but that’s yet to be officially confirmed.
Before making entries on the form, members of the public using the form are asked to confirm that they are willing to make a formal statement and go to court if necessary.
Assistant Commissioner Paula Hilman, Roads Policing, 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.”
She added: “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.”
In the last 10 years, Traffic Watch has received between 3,500 and 5,500 calls per year, amounting to over 45,000 calls.
A Garda press release said that that the new online system will send reports to be logged by Garda staff at the Garda Information Services Centre, who then forward the report to the Superintendent in the relevant Community Engagement Area to progress. The Superintendent will then appoint an officer to investigate a Traffic Watch complaint.
The investigating officer will make contact with the complainant to establish the complainant’s version of events, find out if there are other witnesses to the alleged incident, discuss the possible actions available, and take a written statement of complaint.
After the investigation, if the officer believes that an offence has been taken and there is enough evidence to proceed, a file is submitted to the Superintendent, who will decide what action, if any, is to be taken. And the complainant should be notified of the outcome of their complaint.
Dave Tobin, the deputy chair of the Irish Cycling Campaign, said the campaign group has been consulted about the change and welcomes the new online system.
He said: “It’s an important step towards improving road safety for cyclists and other vulnerable road users at a time of worrying increases in deaths and injuries on our roads.”
Tobin said: “It follows what has been an extensive set of ongoing meetings between the Irish Cycling Campaign and Garda leadership over the past 18 months. We specifically want to thank Assistant Commissioner for Roads Policing Paula Hillman, Chief Superintendent Jane Humphries, Chief Information Officer Andrew O’Sullivan and their teams for being so receptive and proactive in their approach to improving safety outcomes for cyclists.”
He added: “We would encourage all cyclists to make themselves familiar with the new system. We look forward to bringing feedback from our members to future meetings to help further improve the Traffic Watch system.”
Updated: The line “It is understood that the online Traffic Watch and uploading portal systems will be linked but that’s yet to be officially confirmed” was added for clarification.
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Where is it on the website?
On the Garda.ie homepage it’s the first item on the top menu bar, currently named ‘trafficwatchreport’. You can also access it via https://garda.ie/en/trafficwatchreport/
Garda website is dreadful. Is the phone number being discontinued ? When cos its still up there front and centre, also the page https://garda.ie/en/roads-policing/road-safety/traffic-watch.html still talks about the phone number.
The old system did not require you to commit to making a statement and appearing in court before making the report. You could ring the number, make the report, guards would then contact you to confirm the details. The guards could depending on the details speak to the other driver, issue a caution, charge them and only if the other driver didn’t accept the accusations and penalty did the reporter then need to make a statement and go to court. This new way of having to commit to a statement and court appearance before making the report will put some off making the report.