16/04/2026
PSNI Records Hundreds Of Driving-Related Detections Over Easter Weekend
Police in Northern Ireland recorded hundreds of driving-related detections during their Easter road safety operation, which ran from Friday morning, 3 April, to midnight on Monday, 6 April.
Offences detected included excess speed, careless and dangerous driving, driving while under the influence of drink or drugs, failing to wear a seatbelt, and having no insurance.
As of 14 April, provisional police data indicates 43 arrests for drink or drug driving. The figures remain subject to change.
Over the same period, officers recorded 667 speeding detections across Northern Ireland, with 621 of these made by Road Safety Camera Vans deployed at various locations.
There were also 42 detections for driving without insurance, 10 motorists were caught using a mobile phone while driving, and six drivers were detected for not wearing a seat belt.
Head of Road Policing, Chief Inspector Celeste Simpson, said the provisional figures show some motorists are still putting themselves and others at risk. "Anyone who chooses to get into a car and drive when intoxicated, or chooses not to wear a seatbelt, drives dangerously or carelessly, or is using their phone behind the wheel, does so because they don't think the worst will ever happen to them," says Chief Inspector Simpson. "They've made a choice, and it's these type of choices that risk the lives of drivers, their passengers and other road users."
Chief Inspector Celeste Simpson made this appeal: "To drivers and road users, you are responsible for your own safety and that of other road users. Safe driving is not down to luck. It requires discipline and your 100 per cent focus on the road at all times.
"Tragically, 22 people have died on roads across Northern Ireland since the start of 2026. This is more than a statistic. These are catastrophic losses for everyone impacted.
"We can and must do more to help reduce the number of injuries and deaths on our roads, and our Fatal Five campaign must become your daily reminder of what you need to do to stay safe.
"Stay focused, control your speed, put down your phone, never drink or drug drive, don't get distracted and always wear your seatbelt."
Offences detected included excess speed, careless and dangerous driving, driving while under the influence of drink or drugs, failing to wear a seatbelt, and having no insurance.
As of 14 April, provisional police data indicates 43 arrests for drink or drug driving. The figures remain subject to change.
Over the same period, officers recorded 667 speeding detections across Northern Ireland, with 621 of these made by Road Safety Camera Vans deployed at various locations.
There were also 42 detections for driving without insurance, 10 motorists were caught using a mobile phone while driving, and six drivers were detected for not wearing a seat belt.
Chief Inspector Celeste Simpson made this appeal: "To drivers and road users, you are responsible for your own safety and that of other road users. Safe driving is not down to luck. It requires discipline and your 100 per cent focus on the road at all times.
"Tragically, 22 people have died on roads across Northern Ireland since the start of 2026. This is more than a statistic. These are catastrophic losses for everyone impacted.
"We can and must do more to help reduce the number of injuries and deaths on our roads, and our Fatal Five campaign must become your daily reminder of what you need to do to stay safe.
"Stay focused, control your speed, put down your phone, never drink or drug drive, don't get distracted and always wear your seatbelt."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
19 September 2018
Up To 100 Roads Closed As Storm Ali Hits NI
A growing number of roads across Northern Ireland are closed due to adverse weather conditions as a result of Storm Ali.
Up To 100 Roads Closed As Storm Ali Hits NI
A growing number of roads across Northern Ireland are closed due to adverse weather conditions as a result of Storm Ali.
07 July 2023
Road Safety Warning Amid Increase In Careless Driving Deaths
New statistics have revealed that 57% of people killed or seriously injured on NI roads in 2021 were the result of careless driving. The Department for Infrastructure (DfI) has highlighted a steady increase in the number of careless driving deaths each year and has called on road users to 'redouble efforts to travel with due care and attention'.
Road Safety Warning Amid Increase In Careless Driving Deaths
New statistics have revealed that 57% of people killed or seriously injured on NI roads in 2021 were the result of careless driving. The Department for Infrastructure (DfI) has highlighted a steady increase in the number of careless driving deaths each year and has called on road users to 'redouble efforts to travel with due care and attention'.
04 September 2008
Jailed Joyriders' Grave Record
Two car thieves with more than 150 convictions between them have each been jailed for two years - although that fate seems less dramatic than that of other so-called 'joyriders', several of whom have been killed.
Jailed Joyriders' Grave Record
Two car thieves with more than 150 convictions between them have each been jailed for two years - although that fate seems less dramatic than that of other so-called 'joyriders', several of whom have been killed.
02 March 2018
Schools Closures Across NI
The Department of Education have published a list of all schools across that have confirmed they will be closed today, Friday 2nd March, 2018 due to the adverse weather conditions.
Schools Closures Across NI
The Department of Education have published a list of all schools across that have confirmed they will be closed today, Friday 2nd March, 2018 due to the adverse weather conditions.
21 October 2024
Two Men Arrested in Drug-Driving Crackdowns
Two men have been arrested in separate incidents for drug-related driving offences following the introduction of new roadside drug testing kits. DrugWipes, which can detect cannabis and cocaine use, are being used by specially trained officers from the Road Policing Unit and District Support Teams.
Two Men Arrested in Drug-Driving Crackdowns
Two men have been arrested in separate incidents for drug-related driving offences following the introduction of new roadside drug testing kits. DrugWipes, which can detect cannabis and cocaine use, are being used by specially trained officers from the Road Policing Unit and District Support Teams.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Dry at first with some sunny spells but cloud increasing towards midnight with outbreaks of rain spreading southeast through the early hours. Becoming drier with clear spells developing towards dawn in the west. Minimum temperature 5 °C.