The HGV coming up alongside could be the new unmarked Garda HGV now on our roads targeting drivers using a mobile phone or other electronic devices while driving –
It’s hoped the unmarked HGV will 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, Garda� have detected over 15,000 people using their phone while driving. That�s almost 2,000 more than during the same period in 2023
When in use on a targeted operation, the HGV will allow Garda� 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 and 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.
Superintendent Stephen McCauley, An Garda S�och�na Roads Policing said, “It�s not always easy to clearly observe the irresponsible drivers of some vehicles on a dual carriage-way or motorway so introducing an unmarked HGV will hugely support our work.
The lorry is now on road —- Put the phone away.
