I am informed by the Garda authorities that the value of fines collected for speeding by camera detection since the inception of this service is not readily available. It would require a considerable amount of Garda time to compile such information which I am sure the Deputy will appreciate could not be justified. As the Deputy may be aware, the gardaí utilise in- car video, mobile video cameras and fixed camera systems for speed detection. The Garda also use other speed detection equipment such as lasers and radar speed guns for example.
I am further informed by the Garda authorities, however, that in respect of fixed speed cameras, the number of detections from April 2000 to 23 March 2001 was approximately 48,646. A recent report from the Comptroller and Auditor General has shown that 84% of these fines are paid without the need to institute court proceedings.
The Deputy may be interested to know that in the year 2000, the provisional total for the number of on-the-spot speeding fines issued by the Garda was 224,264.