An innovative online portal for reporting traffic incidents has been launched, offering a streamlined way for the public to report road-related incidents to An Garda Síochána across the country. This new platform, named Traffic Watch, aims to improve driver behavior, reduce road collisions, and ultimately save lives by fostering a partnership between the public and law enforcement.
The Garda spokesperson emphasised that the portal is designed for non-emergency situations, urging the public to continue using emergency numbers 999 or 112 for urgent cases. The online portal for reporting traffic incidents allows users to fill out a reporting form, which is then logged by the Garda Information Services Centre in Dublin. Once logged, the report is forwarded to the local superintendent responsible for the Community Engagement Area relevant to the incident.
In cases where an investigation is deemed necessary, a member of An Garda Síochána will be assigned to follow up on the report. The officer will then reach out to the individual who submitted the report. If an offence is believed to have occurred, a file is submitted to the superintendent who will decide the next course of action. The complainant will be informed of the outcome, ensuring transparency in the process.
Assistant Commissioner Paula Hilman, who leads Roads Policing and Community Engagement, spoke at the launch of the new portal. She highlighted the significance of Traffic Watch over the years as a vital tool for responsible road users to report dangerous driving behaviors. “The online reporting form provides an updated process through which members of the public can report non-emergency information to An Garda Síochána,” she said.
This new online portal for reporting traffic incidents represents a significant step forward in enhancing road safety across the country. By empowering the public to report careless and aggressive driving, An Garda Síochána is reinforcing its commitment to protecting all road users.