Vol. 493 No. 2
47 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the additional resources, if any, he will allocate to the Garda for GATSO units and other equipment to detect breaches of the Road Traffic Acts, 1961 to 1995; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15489/98]
I have been assured by the Garda authorities that the enforcement of the provisions of the Road Traffic Acts is given a high priority. In order to assist them in detecting road traffic offences, the Garda possess the most up to date equipment available. This equipment includes hand held radar, tripod mounted lasers, radar and video cameras as well as two GATSO units — a mobile unit equipped — with on board cameras and computer facilities. I have also recently approved the purchase of three additional GATSO units.
In addition, I have approved, in principle, the purchase of automated speed detection cameras, fixed cameras, which will be initially used in the Louth-Meath area on a pilot basis, as part of Operation Lifesaver. The use of speed detection cameras in other police forces has increased significantly in recent years. The experience has shown that the use of such cameras has resulted in a significant reduction in accident rates and speed.
