Vol. 495 No. 4
333 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the plans, if any, he has to expand the installation of speed check cameras or other measures in response to the high level of road deaths occurring on an almost daily basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20448/98]
I wish to assure the Deputy that the enforcement of the Road Traffic Acts is given a high priority by the Government and the Garda authorities. In this regard, I have funded and will continue to fund additional resources for the effective enforcement of the Road Traffic Acts.
The gardaí possess a range of sophisticated speed detection equipment, including the GATSO unit, a mobile speed detection unit with on board cameras and computer facilities. I am informed by the Garda authorities that there are two GATSO units at present in operation. Three further units are being acquired and will be brought into use in the near future. In addition, the gardaí have a wide range of speed detection equipment such as tripod mounted lasers, in-car video systems and hand-held radar guns which assist them in detecting breaches of the Road Traffic Acts.
In response to the unacceptable level of road deaths, the Government launched on 31 July, 1998 the National Strategy on Road Safety — The Road to Safety. The following proposals, set out in the strategy, are being considered by all the agencies involved, including my Department and the Garda authorities:— to extend the use of automatic speed detection systems, including the installation of fixed cameras; to commence evidential breath-testing for drink driving; to extend on the spot fines to non-wearing of seat belts and other offences; and to develop a penalty points system which would trigger disqualification following repeated driving offences. It is planned to place automated speed detection cameras, i.e., fixed cameras, in the Louth-Meath Division, an area with a high incidence of fatal accidents, on a pilot basis.
