A new unmarked Garda lorry is being launched today in a bid to catch bad behaviour on the roads.
'Operation Iompar' involves Gardaí using a tractor unit fitted with blue lights to spot motorists and HGV drivers using their phones or not wearing seatbelts.
An unmarked patrol car follows the Garda lorry and then pulls in the offending vehicle.
The new lorry will be used by Roads Policing Units nationwide and will provide for "targeted enforcement on dual carriageway and motorway network throughout the country."
It will see two Gardaí in the lorry - a driver and an observer - with the observer spotting any offending drivers.
Gardaí say 'Operation Iompar' is already having yielding results - with over 100 drivers detected during three periods of action using the lorry - the majority of which were found to be using their phone while driving.
Gardaí on patrol as part of Operation Iompar. Image: Newstalk/Alex Rowley"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," the force says.
"When in use on a targeted operation, the HGV will allow Gardaí to observe drivers in any make, model or size vehicle from a more elevated position and therefore help them to enforce the key lifesaver offences."
'A real risk'
Superintendent Stephen McCauley said the new approach will help detect unsafe driving.
"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," he said.
"Operations like this are important because they mean that those that are 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."
So far this year Gardaí 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.
Additional reporting: Alex Rowley
