Bad driver behaviour can be reported to Gardaí online from today.
A new Garda Traffic Watch form - available on the Garda website - will be continuously monitored and cases will be escalated if needed.
This form will replace the Traffic Watch number, which was first set up in 2001 and expanded nationwide in 2004.
Traffic Watch hopes to improve driver behaviour, reduce the number of road collisions and prevent fatalities.
How it works
Members of the public can report "non-emergency traffic-related incidents" using the online reporting form.
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 area.
The superintendent then will appoint a member of An Garda Síochána to investigate the complaint.
The investigating member makes contact with the complainant to:
- Establish the complainant's version of events
- Establish if there are other witnesses to the alleged incident
- Discuss the possible actions available
- Take a written statement of complaint
Where an offence is believed to be have taken place a file is submitted to the superintendent who will decide what action, if any, is to be taken.
In all instances, Gardaí say the complainant should be notified of the outcome of their complaint.
Traffic on the South Quays in Dublin city centre, March 2023. Image: Sam Boal/Rollingnews.ieAssistant Commissioner Paula Hilman said the change is an update to the existing system.
"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 said.
"The online reporting form provides an updated process through which members of the public can be report non-emergency information to An Garda Síochána.
"In an emergency situation road users should always contact 999/112.”
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 - peaking at 5,511 calls for 2023.
