Briain Kelly, 25 May
More than 7,000 vehicles have been seized using a new system for detecting
uninsured vehicles introduced early this year.
A new system which allows members of An Garda Síochána to quickly and
easily identify uninsured vehicles has been formally launched.
More than 13,000 Gardaí working nationwide can now check a vehicle
insurance status while on the roadside by checking its registration on the
Garda Mobility App.
Following its introduction, the new system has led to the seizure of 7,307
vehicles since January 2024, with 1,840 vehicles being seized in the month
of April alone due to no insurance.
This new system to support An Garda Síochána was co-ordinated through much
collaboration between the Department of Transport, the Department of
Justice, An Garda Síochána, Insurance Ireland and the MIBI.
It follows legislative change and the signing of a Memorandum of
Understanding agreement between An Garda Síochána and the Motor Insurers’
Bureau of Ireland.
On a daily basis, the MIBI now provides An Garda Síochána with the
insurance details of over 3 million vehicles that are operating on Irish
roads via the Irish Motor Insurance Database (IMID).
Garda Síochána Assistant Commissioner Roads Policing and Community
Engagement, Paula Hilman said, “By having access to the Irish Motor
Insurance Database through our Garda Mobility Devices, Gardaí are in a
stronger position to detect those breaking the law by driving without
insurance.”
“Improved technology and data sharing are helping to transform roads
policing in Ireland and ultimately help An Garda Síochána to keep road
users safe. Today’s launch shows the considerable progress that can be
achieved when we work in partnership and share data.”
Research from the MIBI indicates that there is a high number of uninsured
vehicles operating on our roads.
In 2022, there were approximately 188,000 uninsured private vehicles in
this country, meaning 1 in every 12 private vehicles were uninsured.
This research also shows that Ireland is among the highest ranking
European countries for uninsured vehicles – three times as high as in the
UK and four times the EU average.
Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee T.D. said, “The Irish Motor Insurance
Database is an important tool for An Garda Síochána to detect and pursue
those who drive on our roads without insurance.”
“The information sharing between the Motor Insurers’ Bureau of Ireland and
An Garda Síochána, will play a significant role in improving road safety
and I thank everybody involved for their work on developing and
progressing this initiative.