Thousands are set to hit the roads this June bank holiday weekend as Gardaí launch a major road safety operation with checkpoints and speed vans across Ireland
Garda checkpoint(Image: Collins Photo Agency)
With summer just around the corner, tens of thousands of motorists will be taking to the roads over the long June Bank Holiday weekend.
However, with bank holidays ranking amongst the most perilous periods on Irish roads, Gardaí will be maintaining a heightened presence across the country’s road network in the days ahead.
This translates to a significant number of checkpoints, with Gardaí keeping a close eye out for speeding, drink-driving, uninsured vehicles and a host of other road traffic violations.
A joint statement was released on Thursday by the Road Safety Authority and An Garda Síochána, calling on all road users to exercise caution throughout the long weekend.
So far in 2026, 69 people have lost their lives on our roads, four more than at the same point last year, with a fatal collision occurring on average almost every other day. This is particularly alarming given that 2025 recorded the highest number of road fatalities in Ireland over the past decade.
An Garda Síochána commenced the June bank holiday weekend roads policing operation on Thursday. The operation, which focuses on keeping the roads safe this weekend, continues until Tuesday.(Image: Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin)
This weekend, Gardaí are pulling out all the stops to clamp down on reckless behaviour, including drink and drug-driving as well as speeding.
To achieve this, a substantial number of checkpoints and speed vans will be deployed at designated ‘enforcement zones’ throughout the country.
There are more than 1,900 of these zones nationwide — predominantly in areas that have witnessed serious and fatal collisions over the years.
Naturally, motorists can be stopped for speeding anywhere, and checkpoint positions are frequently intentionally unpredictable, but Gardaí maintain designated ‘safety locations’ where they particularly focus on hazardous driving, reports Cork Beo.
Gardaí deploy speed cameras and checkpoints at these sites, which can encompass entire road stretches identified as ‘collision zones.’ These zones may include sections extending up to 15km where Gardaí can carry out mobile speed checks, utilise speed cameras, or establish checkpoints at any point throughout the route.
You check the full list of locations on the Garda website here. Alternatively, you can use this interactive map of Garda mobile safety cameras that are in use nationwide.
Gardai will be out in full force this weeked, with a nationwide enforcement operation staking place across the country – stock photo(Image: Collins)
With summer celebrations in full flow this weekend, our roads will be considerably busier than normal, increasing the risk of collisions.
Research by Gardaí examining collision data collected over the four preceding June Bank Holiday weekends demonstrates that the risk of collision peaks between 12pm and 9pm throughout the weekend.
A comparable examination of drink driving arrests revealed that the greatest number of arrests for driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol occurred between 9pm and 3am.
Gardaí have reminded all road users to exercise additional caution over the June bank holiday weekend.
Drivers are encouraged to reduce speed, select a speed suitable to the conditions, never use a mobile phone while driving, always wear a seatbelt, and never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Chief Superintendent David Harrington, Garda National Roads Policing Bureau, said: “Regrettably, we are still seeing a high number of drivers getting behind the wheel after consuming drugs and alcohol. Last month, 165 people were arrested for driving while intoxicated during the May bank holiday weekend. This is not only unacceptable and dangerous behaviour, it is also against the law.
“Everyone has the right to get home safe this weekend. We are appealing to all road users to never, ever drive after taking drugs or drinking alcohol. If you are socialising this weekend, plan your journey home in advance. Use taxis and public transport, or organise a lift home with friends and family.
“If you are detected driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you will be arrested. And if you are convicted, you will lose your licence.”
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