Roads Policing Message - An Garda Síochána Unveils Unmarked Motorcycles and High-Powered Patrol Cars

In a bid to combat distracted & dangerous driving and improve road safety, An Garda Síochána has introduced new tools to its Roads Policing Unit. Drivers across Ireland will now need to be more vigilant than ever, as unmarked motorcycles and high-powered Volkswagen Golf GTIs join the Roads Policing fleet to ensure safer roads.

Distracted driving, often caused by mobile phone use, adjusting in-car entertainment systems, or other inattentive behaviours, continues to be a factor in serious road incidents across the country. In response, An Garda Síochána’s latest initiative aims to identify and deter these behaviours through innovative and effective means.

Unmarked Motorcycles: A Closer Eye on the Road

The addition of unmarked motorcycles is a game-changer for monitoring distracted drivers. These bikes allow Gardaí to blend seamlessly into traffic, providing a discreet yet dynamic method of detecting offences. The slightly elevated vantage point offered by motorcycles as well as its versatility, enables Gardaí spot dangerous behaviour often hidden from view in larger vehicles.

These motorcycles are currently deployed on a trial basis, but are already showing great results. Unfortunately, it does indicate that when it comes to distracted driving habits, there is still a real issue on our roads. Our goal is not just enforcement but changing driver behaviour to ensure the safety of everyone on Irish roads.

Volkswagen Golf GTIs: Roads Policing’s Interceptors

The Roads Policing Unit has also integrated high-performance Volkswagen Golf GTIs into its fleet. Known for their agility, speed, and advanced technology, these cars are equipped to detect offences and intercept the offenders quickly and safely. Five vehicles are now operational across the country with more to come in 2025.

These vehicles feature cutting-edge systems, including on-board cameras and automatic number plate recognition (ANPR), to identify unlicensed or uninsured drivers, track stolen vehicles, and enforce road traffic laws efficiently. The new cars will increase Gardaí’s ability to intercept and prosecute drivers for road traffic offences.

Educating Drivers and Preventing Accidents

While enforcement is a key component of this initiative, Gardaí emphasize that education remains a top priority. Alongside the deployment of these new vehicles, campaigns aimed at raising awareness about the dangers of distracted driving will continue.

We hope the presence of unmarked vehicles will serve as a deterrent, encouraging drivers to think twice before picking up their phones or engaging in other unsafe behaviours.

The move comes amid growing concerns about road safety in Ireland. Recent statistics reveal a rise in fatalities. This year as of 8th December, 167 people have died on our roads. An Garda Síochána’s proactive measures are designed to address this trend and send a clear message: road safety is everyone’s responsibility.

As these new vehicles take to the roads, drivers are urged to remain alert and focused at all times. The Roads Policing Unit will maintain a visible presence alongside these covert operations to ensure that Irish roads are safe for all.

As we head into the festive season, our message remains the same:

• Don’t drink or use drugs and drive.
• Keep to the speed limit.
• Don’t drive beyond your capabilities.
• Never pick up your phone while you’re driving.
• Concentrate on driving. Don’t let anything distract you
• Remember, you have a responsibility for the safety of yourself & other road users.