Speed Cameras Switch On Tonight

A range of new speed cameras are to come into operation from tonight, according to Gardaí.

The cameras, which gardaí are calling "mobile safety cameras", will be operating on roads all across Ireland at some 66 locations and be rotated around some 600 identified roads that have been the scenes of tragedy in the past.

Motorists will have to take extra care to avoid breaking the speed limit from tonight as the roll-out begins. The cameras, which are being provided by a private company, are mobile units, mounted in clearly marked vans.

Areas to pay careful attention will be city centre 30kph zones, as well as Sutton, Clontarf, Ballymun, Finglas, Donnybrook, Sandymount, Lough-linstown and many more areas.

In Dublin city centre, North Wall Quay, Wolfe Tone Quay and O'Connell Street Lower are among the roads which will have cameras. They will also be stationed on the Chapelizod Bypass and Donnybrook Road.

Gardaí said the safety cameras will save lives through a reduction in fatal and serious speed related collisions.

Speaking at Garda Headquarters, John Twomey, Assistant Commissioner for Traffic, said: “Safety cameras will operate on Irish roads from Monday. An Garda Síochána appeals to all road users, in particular motorists, to familiarise themselves with these sections of the road network. We also appeal to motorists to always drive at an appropriate speed, to reduce the likelihood of being involved in a fatal or serious collision."

A Gardaí spokesman said the project aimed to change driver behaviour and to reduce the number of speed related collisions by reducing the speed of vehicles at locations that have a speed related collision history and acting as a deterrent to driving at excessive speeds.

Garda analysis is ongoing and the locations are anticipated to change over time. Officers said they will be updated an online map www.gardai.ie on the Garda website and advise the community accordingly.

An Garda Síochána has also issued an appeal to motorists to slow down this weekend, given the tragic collisions which have happened on Irish roads in recent weeks.

Assistant Commissioner Twomey said: "The fatal collisions which have occurred over the last number of weeks represent further unnecessary tragedies for many families. I am appealing to all road users to take care this weekend, so that further collisions do not bring tragedy to the doors of another family. Please slow down and be aware of other road users. Road safety is the responsibility of every member of the community, a responsibility which cannot be underestimated.”

(DW/KMcA)