HSENI launches major roadside crackdown on dangerous goods transport across Northern Ireland

A region-wide enforcement operation targeting the transport of hazardous materials on Northern Ireland’s roads is set to begin next month, with inspectors warning that failures in safety compliance could put lives, property and the environment at serious risk.

The joint campaign, led by the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI) alongside other enforcement agencies, will run from Tuesday 5 May to Friday 22 May 2026 and will involve a coordinated programme of roadside vehicle inspections and operator site checks.

Wide-ranging inspections targeting high-risk materials

Inspectors will focus on vehicles transporting dangerous goods including fuel, fertilisers and infectious substances such as bacteria and viruses — materials widely used across key local industries including agriculture, home heating oil distribution and hazardous waste management.

The operation will see enforcement teams stopping vehicles at the roadside to assess compliance, while also carrying out inspections at operator premises to examine broader safety systems and procedures.

The initiative is being carried out under the Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Use of Transportable Pressure Equipment Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010, as amended — legislation which governs how hazardous materials must be handled during transport.

Legal requirements under scrutiny

Under the regulations, strict rules apply to the classification, packaging and labelling of dangerous goods, alongside requirements for driver training, vehicle safety equipment and transport documentation.

Vehicles transporting hazardous materials must carry essential safety equipment, including:

• Fire extinguishers

• Warning signs

• Hi-vis clothing

• Gloves

• Eye protection

• Spill kits

• Wheel chocks

Inspectors will assess whether these requirements are being met, alongside checks on the integrity of tanks, correct packaging standards and the presence of appropriate documentation.

The regulations are also aligned with ADR — the European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road — which sets internationally recognised safety standards.

Serious risks if standards are not met

HSENI Principal Inspector Kellie McNamara said the operation reflects the potentially severe consequences of unsafe transport practices.

“While transporting dangerous goods is vital for many local industries, from farming and home heating oil distributors to hazardous waste management, it carries significant risks for people, property and the environment. So, this operation is about ensuring operators fully comply with the regulations governing the carriage of dangerous goods on Northern Ireland’s roads.

“Transporting dangerous goods by road carries significant risks for drivers, other road users and emergency services if not carried out correctly. Some substances also pose serious environmental risks. So key safety requirements including the integrity of tanks, correct packaging and the provision of essential safety equipment are not only required by law but can be lifesaving.

“These inspections are designed to improve road safety, ensure legal compliance and support responsible operators as well as promote a level playing field and address non-compliance by operators who cut corners and gain an unfair competitive advantage,” she said.

Focus on compliance, not punishment — but enforcement action possible

HSENI has stressed that the campaign is intended to support compliant businesses rather than penalise them, but warned that enforcement action will be taken where necessary.

“The goal of the campaign is to support the operators - not to catch out responsible ones - and ensure safe, lawful transport practices that protect everyone. We are encouraging operators to use this campaign to refresh driver briefings, review operating procedures, ensure the correct documentation and safety equipment are carried on board, and confirm that pre-use checks are carried out consistently.

“If shortcomings are identified, enforcement action may be taken. If drivers receive advice during roadside checks, operators are expected to take it seriously and address any issues promptly. HSENI Inspectors will carry out follow-up inspections in the future to ensure all improvement actions have been implemented,” Ms McNamara added.

Immediate impact for operators across Northern Ireland

The campaign places immediate responsibility on transport operators across Northern Ireland to review compliance ahead of inspections, with particular emphasis on driver training, documentation accuracy and vehicle safety readiness.

For industries reliant on the movement of hazardous materials, the operation signals increased scrutiny and the potential for disruption where standards fall short, while also reinforcing expectations around public safety and environmental protection on the region’s roads.

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At a glance

• HSENI enforcement campaign runs from 5 May to 22 May 2026

• Joint operation includes roadside checks and operator site inspections

• Targets vehicles carrying fuel, fertilisers, and infectious substances

• Inspections carried out under Northern Ireland 2010 dangerous goods regulations

• Vehicles must carry mandatory safety equipment including fire extinguishers and spill kits

• Campaign aligned with ADR international transport standards

• Enforcement action possible where non-compliance is identified

• Follow-up inspections planned to ensure corrective actions are implemented

• Aims to improve road safety, environmental protection and fair competition