A groundbreaking new technology has been introduced in Ireland that will enable the police to identify up to 13,000 uninsured drivers on the roads of Ireland. The launch of this new system took place on May 24, with the formal introduction of this innovative technology by Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee T.D., and An Garda Síochána Assistant Commissioner, Roads Policing and Community Engagement, Paula Hilman at an event in Millennium Park in Blanchardstown, Dublin.
The initiative aims to tackle the alarming number of uninsured vehicles on Irish roads. Research has revealed that there are around 190,000 uninsured drivers in Ireland, resulting in almost 2,000 car seizures in just the previous month. This new system will provide more than 13,000 Gardaí with the ability to verify a vehicle’s insurance status directly from the roadside by accessing its registration on the Garda Mobility App.
The effective implementation of the new system has already led to the seizure of 7,307 vehicles since January 2024, with 1,840 vehicles being confiscated in April alone due to lack of insurance. This system was developed through a harmonious effort between the Department of Transport, the Department of Justice, An Garda Síochána, Insurance Ireland and the MIBI, following legislative alterations and the signing of an agreement between An Garda Síochána and the MIBI.
It has been reported that the Motor Insurers’ Bureau of Ireland (MIBI) provides An Garda Síochána with insurance details of over 3 million vehicles registered under the Irish Motor Insurance Database (IMID) on a daily basis. The launch of this new initiative coincided with the ‘National Insurance Enforcement Day’ which is a nationwide programme by An Garda Síochána to target drivers who are operating without insurance on Irish roads.
Driving without insurance is a serious offence in Ireland, resulting in penalties such as vehicle confiscation, court appearances, five penalty points, and substantial fines. Statistics from the MIBI indicate that approximately 1 in every 12 private vehicles in Ireland are uninsured, making the country one of the top-ranking European nations for uninsured vehicles – surpassing the UK and the EU average by three and four times respectively.
The significance of this initiative was acknowledged at the launch event by the Assistant Commissioner Roads Policing and Community Engagement, Paula Hilman, who emphasized that this new system will enhance the ability of An Garda Síochána to identify and prosecute those who drive without insurance. Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee T.D., praised the partnership between the Motor Insurers’ Bureau of Ireland and An Garda Síochána, stating that the collaboration will play a vital role in improving road safety.
David Fitzgerald, CEO of the MIBI, expressed confidence in the new system, highlighting that uninsured driving will no longer go undetected, and those daring to drive without insurance will face severe legal repercussions. The implementation of this new technology signifies a significant step in the ongoing battle to improve road safety and put an end to uninsured driving in Ireland.
In conclusion, this new technology is a testament to the unwavering commitment of the Irish government to prioritize road safety and take necessary measures to eradicate uninsured driving. The implementation of advanced technology and strong collaboration between various departments and agencies indicates a positive trajectory towards enhanced road safety in Ireland.