Covert Garda truck in Laois catches 47 drivers on mobile phones

GARDAÍ in Laois caught 47 drivers using mobile phones within a few hours, during a special operation involving a covert articulated truck.

Operation Iompair rolled into the county as part of an ongoing road safety campaign, using a HGV cab to identify distracted drivers.

According to gardaí, 63 fines were issued for a range of traffic offences in just a few hours, including 47 for using a mobile phone while driving.

The truck cab crewed by two gardaí is followed closely by a number of unmarked ‘interceptor’ garda vehicles, which stop drivers who have committed an offence.

In a social media post on 14 July, An Garda Síochána Laois/Offaly said: ‘Keep on scrolling and you'll be strolling...

‘Operation Iompair rolled into County Laois recently as part of our ongoing road safety campaign. Our discreet artic didn't have to wait long.

‘Within just a few hours, 63 fixed charge notices had been issued, 47 of these for drivers using a mobile phone.’ 

The force added: ‘Put the phone down, or you'll have to get used to counting your steps instead of your kilometres.’

Operation Iompair uses an unmarked truck to patrol motorways and dual carriageways, with the elevated position in the cab allowing gardaí to spot motorists committing offences such as holding a mobile phone, watching films on laptops or tablets or any other conduct that distracts from driving.

The garda truck is driven by a specially trained member and an observer (spotter) is responsible for detecting distracted drivers.

The benefit of the truck is its elevated seating position, giving a clear view of drivers of lorries, vans or cars holding a mobile phone. something that cannot always be seen using patrol cars or motorcycles.

The most common offence is holding a mobile phone, which comes with a fixed charge notice of €120 and three penalty points.

Having started in Dublin in 2024 as a pilot project, Operation Iompair is being used by garda Roads Policing Units nationwide.