Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 22 Oct 2002

Vol. 555 No. 5

Written Answers. - Road Traffic Offences.

Pat Carey

Question:

339 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if an evaluation has been made of the effectiveness of fixed speeding cameras as against hand held units; the number of prosecutions which have been completed in each of the categories over the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18951/02]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the use of fixed cameras for the detection of speeding offences only became effective in 2000. Records are not currently compiled in such a way as to distinguish between prosecutions for offences detected by fixed camera or otherwise. However, I have set out hereunder details of the number of fines on-the-spot notices issued from 1997 to 2001 and the number of prosecutions for speeding offences in those years. The figure for prosecutions in respect of 2001 is not yet available, but I will arrange to have this forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Year	Total number of Fines-on-the-Spot notices issued	Prosecutions
1997	71,337	29,275
1998	131,931	25,742
1999	178,009	30,105
2000	224,264	29,864
2001	345,652*	not available

*The figure for 2001 is provisional.

The Garda operates modern speed detection equipment in the form of laser devices, radar devices, in-car and motor cycle detection cameras as well as mobile speed detection units, that is, GATSOs. The question of fixed cameras is being addressed through a pilot programme using four cameras which are rotated around 20 sites in the Louth-Meath Garda division and the Dublin metropolitan region. No evaluation of this project has been undertaken to date. However, I understand the National Roads Authority has commissioned an effectiveness evaluation and a speed camera technology scoping study to determine the most effective strategy for the future use of speed cameras. I understand that, on completion, the findings of this study will be referred to the inter-agency high level group on road safety.