New unmarked garda vehicle deployed to Limerick roads as part of national rollout

A NEW unmarked garda vehicle has been deployed on Limerick roads as part of a nationwide rollout. 

The unmarked Higher Goods Vehicle (HGV) aims “to help reduce fatal and serious injury road traffic collisions and protect vulnerable road users by detecting those driving while distracted”. 

The nationwide garda operation entitled Operation IOMPAR will have targeted enforcement on dual-carriageways and motorways throughout the country, and has already had over 100 drivers detected for using their phone while driving.

“Due to the height of some vehicles, it can be difficult at times for my colleagues and I to detect motorists committing offences such as travelling without a seatbelt or using a phone or electronic device whilst driving,”  said garda John Finnerty of Henry St. garda station.

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“When in use, the HGV will allow Gardaí to observe drivers in any 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 Garda. A second Garda is responsible for detecting distracted drivers.