A significant road safety operation conducted across Northern Ireland on Wednesday, 16 April, resulted in approximately 700 detections for speeding.

The operation, known as Operation Lifesaver, saw officers from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) and Road Safety Camera Vans deployed across all 11 policing districts.

During the day-long initiative, officers carried out almost 260 speeding operations, leading to the detection of around 800 motoring offences in total, with the majority being for speeding.

Chief Superintendent Sam Donaldson from the PSNI's Operational Support Department expressed his disappointment and concern at the findings. "These figures show very clearly that there are drivers who are continuing to speed regardless of the potential consequences. Not only is that really disappointing, but it's also very worrying because it shows that far too many drivers are putting their lives and other road users lives at risk." He highlighted the scale of the issue: "Last year, in 2024, we made around 100,000 speeding detections across Northern Ireland. That is a shocking number of people, who for whatever reason they think is justified, found themselves with a fine and penalty points, or even under arrest and in court."

Chief Superintendent Donaldson also noted the concerning trend of repeat offenders. "Even more shockingly, a number of drivers have been caught speeding on multiple occasions. Clearly these drivers are not getting the message."

Ahead of the Easter holiday period, Chief Superintendent Donaldson urged drivers to consider their speed. "One of the greatest contributions each road user can make is to reduce their speed. Speeding is a dangerous crime and poses a serious threat to other road users and we, as a Police Service, have a duty to detect those who break the law and deal with any offences. If we all stop speeding, road safety improves, lives can be saved and fewer people have to contend with life-changing injuries."

Operation Lifesaver represents the PSNI's latest approach to tackling speeding across Northern Ireland, aiming to reduce the number of road traffic collisions and improve safety for all road users.