Multiple arrests made as tractor units 'drive erratically' and block traffic on busy motorway

On Monday evening, at approximately 6pm, Gardaí in Louth responded to an incident of alleged dangerous driving on the M1 northbound.

On arrival Gardaí observed a number of Articulated Tractor Units blocking traffic on the M1 Motorway Northbound carriageway, after junction 14.

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Gardaí intervened and the trucks were directed to stop on the hard shoulder of the motorway.

Following engagement between Gardaí and the drivers of the 2 lead articulated tractor units both drivers were arrested for alleged offence contrary to the Road Traffic Act.

The drivers have since been charged and will be brought to Drogheda District Court on Tuesday morning at 10:30am.

Both articulated tractor units were impounded under the Road Traffic Act.

In a separate incident on Saturday, April 11, 2026, Gardaí observed a tractor and slurry tank combination approaching a cordon checkpoint on the approach to Whitegate, Co. Cork, shortly after 2pm.

The vehicle failed to stop at the checkpoint when directed by members of An Garda Síochána.

Gardaí then pursued the tractor combination, activating emergency blue lights and sirens indicating the vehicle to stop and warning other road users.

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The tractor began driving erratically, swerving into the opposite direction in an effort to get away from Gardaí and endangering other road users.

The vehicle was stopped by uniform and plainclothes Gardaí in marked and unmarked patrol cars.

The driver, a male in his 20s was arrested.

The male has been charged with a number of serious road traffic offences and is due to appear at Middleton District Court on Thursday morning, April 16, 2026.