Covert garda truck catches 47 drivers using phones in Laois

The view from a special truck observation vehicle which is used to catch poor behaviour by motorists. File picture: Gareth Chaney

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

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

The truck, crewed by two gardaí, is followed closely by several unmarked garda interceptor vehicles, which stop drivers who have committed traffic offences.

In a social media post published on July 14, 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. Its elevated position allows gardaí to spot motorists committing offences such as holding a mobile phone, watching films on laptops or tablets, or engaging in other distracting behaviour while driving.

The garda truck is driven by a specially trained member, while another garda acts as an observer, identifying distracted drivers.

The benefit of the truck is its elevated seating position, which provides a clear view of drivers of lorries, vans and cars using mobile phones — something that cannot always be seen from standard garda patrol cars or motorcycles.

The most common offence detected is holding a mobile phone while driving, which carries a fixed charge notice of €120 and three penalty points.

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