Policing operation underway as gardaí crack down on non-compliance on roads

Last year saw the highest number of road deaths in a decade and the figures have remained high so far in 2026. Picture Dan Linehan

An extensive road policing operation has started this morning, as gardaí crack down on non-compliance on Irish roads this Bank Holiday weekend. 

Last year saw the highest number of road deaths in a decade. As of July 28, 185 people had died on Irish roads, 13 more than during the same period last year. 

According to gardaí, over 4,600 motorists have been arrested for drink/ drug driving offences during the first half of the year; this averages to one driver being arrested every hour of every day. 

Additionally, over 119,000 fixed charge notices were issued for speeding, and over 14,500 fines were issued for using a mobile phone while driving. Over 3,000 fines were given for not wearing a seatbelt, while over 18,000 vehicles were seized by gardaí after a driver was found to have no insurance, no driving licence, no NCT/CVRT or was unaccompanied as a learner driver. 

Gardaí have said this weekend's enforcement operation will focus on four lifesaver offences - speeding, driving under the influence, using a mobile phone, not wearing a seatbelt - to ensure that all road users get home safe this weekend. 

Research carried out by the Road Safety Authority (RSA) shows that in 2026 (up to July 26), over a quarter of road fatalities were people aged between 16-25 years old. 

It added that over 40% of fatalities occurred during the weekend on Saturday or Sunday, with 57% of those happening on roads with a speed limit of 80km/h or more. 

'Disregard for road traffic laws' between January 2021 and June 2026

Detection and enforcement activity carried out by gardaí during the five-and-a-half-year period showed a "sustained disregard for road traffic laws"

• Over 500,000 checkpoints were carried out, which found:
• Over one million speeding detections
• Over 150,000 offences for using a mobile phone while driving
• Over 150,000 seizures of vehicles under Section 41 of the Road Traffic Act. 
• Nearly 90,000 learner/novice drivers issued with a Fixed Charge Notice between January 2021 and June 2026
• Nearly 50,000 drivers arrested for driving while intoxicated. 

"Road safety needs to be a priority for everyone. Slow down and stick to the speed limit. Never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Wear your seatbelt and don’t get distracted by mobile devices when you are driving. You can help get another person home safe this weekend," a garda spokesperson said. 

The road policing operation will be in place until Tuesday morning, August 4.

Traffic in Cork 

Meanwhile, delays are expected on the M8 on Thursday morning following a multi-vehicle collision. 

The incident happened between junction 18 at Glanmore and junction 19 at the Dunkettle Interchange. 

TII is warning motorists that there will be some delays to journey times and to drive with caution while approaching the collision location.