Extra Garda checkpoints are being conducted across the region, and across the country today, as part of a National Slow Down Day which got underway at 7am.

Gardai say that, despite current Covid-19 restrictions and a reduced volume of traffic on roads, speed levels have increased.

The aim of the National Slow Down Day is to remind drivers of the dangers of speeding, and to increase compliance with speed limits - thereby reducing the number of serious and fatal injuries on roads.

Excessive speed was a factor in almost one-third of all fatal collisions between 2008 and 2012, according to the Road Safety Authority, which says those most at risk are vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists.