Average speed cameras
Kevin O'Keeffe proposed introducing average speed cameras on roads as a road-safety measure, citing evidence of effectiveness. The Taoiseach agreed it was a good suggestion and said the relevant Ministers would be asked to examine it.
As the Taoiseach may have heard, in recent days, An Garda Síochána has rolled out numerous speed control vans on the M8 along the section between Naas and Newbridge in the interests of road safety. The purpose is the safety and well-being of the workers on site. Last July, I asked the Minister for Justice and Equality to consider the introduction of an average speed camera system, similar to that in operation in the Dublin Port tunnel and which has proved to be a success. The number of vehicles exceeding the speed limit by more than 10 km/h has reduced to less than 0.15%, which is a success for road safety in the Dublin Port tunnel. The reason I ask the Taoiseach to revisit the area is there are people in the speed vans. It is okay at present because people are aware of them but as time progresses their lives will be at stake. The life of a speed van operator is as valuable as that of the workers on site.
I ask that the Minister for Justice and Equality review the average speed system in conjunction with the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport.
Comment on this
That is a good suggestion. The cameras are not popular because they work. They are effective because they pick up the average speed somebody travels at over a stretch of road rather than just the speed at the spot check or the moment-in-time speed check one gets with a GoSafe van. I will inform the Ministers concerned that the matter was raised and ask them to examine it.