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An Garda Síochána has introduced a new unmarked HGV (Heavy Goods Vehicle) to combat distracted driving, a leading cause of fatal and serious road traffic collisions. This measure is part of the ongoing ‘Operation IOMPAR’, which aims to reduce incidents on dual carriageways and motorways by detecting drivers engaged in dangerous behaviours, such as using mobile phones while driving.
The HGV will be used by Roads Policing Units across the country to focus on detecting distracted drivers. The vehicle’s height offers Gardaí a better vantage point, allowing them to spot dangerous behaviour more easily. The move comes as distracted driving continues to be a pressing issue, with over 15,000 drivers caught using their phones so far this year—an increase of nearly 2,000 compared to the same period in 2023. Last month alone, 421 drivers received penalties for using their phones while driving.
Since the launch of Operation IOMPAR, over 100 drivers have been caught using their phones behind the wheel during targeted actions involving the HGV. Superintendent Stephen McCauley, from the Roads Policing Unit, highlighted the importance of the initiative:
Superintendent Stephen McCauley, An Garda Síochána Roads Policing said:
“It’s not always easy to clearly observe the irresponsible drivers of some vehicles on a dual carriageway or motorway, so introducing an unmarked HGV will hugely support our work.
Operations like this are important because they mean that those detected for a road traffic offence must consider their unsafe driving. Drivers need to know that there is a real risk of them causing a fatal or serious injury collision if distracted and not keeping their full attention on the road.
Ensuring that road users are safe requires us to keep at pace with the latest in technology and to be strategic about how we drive home the message. Our new HGV tractor unit will elevate our position on the roads and help us to detect any drivers committing offences, but ultimately it’s about keeping people safe.”
The HGV is operated by specially trained officers, with one acting as the driver and another as an observer. The observer relays details of distracted drivers to enforcement teams in marked and unmarked vehicles, who then intercept and penalise offending motorists.
The introduction of this innovative enforcement tool is part of An Garda Síochána’s broader efforts to keep roads safe and protect vulnerable users from preventable harm caused by distracted driving.