The rule was outlined in a new Spontaneous Pursuits procedure document.
Gardaí can now drive against traffic on dual carriageways and motorways.
It comes as a new Spontaneous Pursuits procedure document from An Garda Síochána has outlined that gardaí can drive against the flow on these roads in certain circumstances.
The move was made after an increase in fears amongst Gardaí around criminals looking to evade arrest by purposefully driving on the wrong side of the road.
Speaking earlier this year, the Garda Representative Association (GRA) called the constraints on officers mid-pursuit a ‘weakness in the system’.
The new document states: “There have been numerous incidents where drivers have entered contra flow onto dual carriageways and motorways. Subject vehicle drivers may take such action in the belief that pursuing officers will terminate the pursuit, leaving them free to escape.
“Although terminating a pursuit under these circumstances may reduce the perception of Garda involvement in any adverse outcome involving the subject vehicle, termination of the pursuit may not always be in the true interests of public safety.”
The document continued: “Using the Garda Decision Making Model (GDMM), a dynamic risk assessment must be continually utilised by all Garda personnel during managed pursuits.
“The primary principle is the protection of the general public and minimised risk to Garda members, should take precedence over the arrest of suspects, considering the operational environment.”
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