Yesterday as I was going from Charlestown to Sligo I came across a long queue of cars stopped at what I thought was a routine tax and insurance checkpoint by Gardai. As I waited, however, I saw lot of vehicles parked at the roadside so I began to think I had come across a bad accident. Luckily no accident - as I got nearer the sign said 'Customs Stop'. Had the border been changed overnight unbeknowns to me? No. This was a routine flying squad check by customs officers checking that cars and commercial vehicles were not using marked diesel.

Taking a diesel sample to ensure that all customs duties are being paid.

Diesel sold as heating oil or as agricultural diesel does not attract the same amount of tax as motor diesel. It's about half the price so obviously there is a temptation to put it in your tank. The job of these guys and gals is to catch you if you put cheapo diesel in your tank. I took these quick snaps to while away the time in the queue!

Commercial vehicles but diesel cars are checked too.