Bernard Allen
Question:144 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of speeding offences detected by the fixed speed cameras in 1999 and 2000. [5033/01]
Written Answers. - Road Traffic Offences.
Bernard Allen
Question:145 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of prosecutions which have arisen from the use of fixed speed cameras in 1999 and 2000. [5034/01]
Bernard Allen
Question:146 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of fixed speed cameras operating here; and the locations of the cameras. [5035/01]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 144 to 146, inclusive, together.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that, as part of the national strategy on road safety, automated speed cameras have been installed in the Louth-Meath division and in north Dublin on a pilot basis. As the Deputy will appreciate, the location of these cameras is based on operational decisions taken by the Garda authorities and the National Roads Authority and neither I nor my Department has a role in relation to these decisions.
I can also inform the Deputy that following a review of the pilot programme, it is proposed to install automated speed detection cameras at various other locations throughout the State as part of the enforcement measures set out in the national strategy on road safety.
With regard to the number of prosecutions which have arisen from the use of fixed speed cameras for 1999 and 2000, I am further informed by the Garda authorities that the number of such prosecutions is not readily available. However, the number of detections by means of fixed cameras is 30,230. These detections relate to the year 2000 as fixed cameras only became operational in 2000.
I should state that speeding offences are, in the main, dealt with by way of on the spot fine and it is only when such fines remain unpaid that court proceedings are instituted. Experience to date has shown that over 80% of speeding fines on the spot are paid without the need to institute court proceedings.