Gardaí now using unmarked HGV

An Garda Síochána has deployed a new, unmarked HGV as part of its work to help reduce fatal and serious injury road traffic collisions, and protect vulnerable road users by detecting those driving while distracted.

It will be utilised by Roads Policing Units nationwide as part of ‘Operation IOMPAR’ which will provide for targeted enforcement on dual-carriageway and motorway network throughout the country.

So far this year, Gardaí say they have detected over 15,000 people using their phone while driving. That’s almost 2,000 more than during the same period in 2023.

Last month, 421 drivers received a fine and penalty points on their licence having been found using their phone behind the wheel.

Gardaí say over 100 drivers have so far been detected during three periods of action using the HGV – the majority of which were found to be using their phone while driving.

Due to the height of some vehicles, it can be difficult at times for Gardaí to detect motorists committing offences such as travelling without a seatbelt, using a phone or electronic device while driving holding a mobile phone or engaging in other poor driving behaviour that can distract and therefore potentially lead to a fatal or serious injury road traffic collision.

When in use on a targeted operation, Gardaí say the HGV will allow them to observe drivers in any make, model or size vehicle from a more elevated position and therefore help them to enforce the key life-safer offences.

The Operation IOMPAR HGV is driven by a specially trained member, while an observer is responsible for detecting distracted drivers. The observer will relay the information to the enforcement team working alongside the HGV in marked and/or unmarked interceptor vehicles – these must then stop the distracted driver and deal with the offences.