While roads may be quieter during the level 5 Covid restrictions, speed limits remain the same. That's the message from Mayo County Council's road safety office and local Gardai.

Gardai say that, with reduced traffic on roads, some motorists have increased their speed, and reckless speeding can result in serious collisions, adding a massive strain on our emergency services, at a time when they are already under considerable stress dealing with the pandemic.

Road collisions involve ambulances and paramedics at the scene, as well as nurses, doctors and other healthcare specialists in hospitals, adding to their work load and pressure.

Mayo Road Safety Officer Noel Gibbons is urging all road users to follow Government guidance during the Covid outbreak, and stay at home - only travelling if absolutely necessary.

For people who do have to travel, he's urging them to always drive within the speed limit, and at a speed appropriate to road conditions at the time, to prevent putting further pressure on HSE services.