Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 October 2012
439. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding the location of mobile speed cameras; if these locations are ever altered or varied; if they are specific to accident black spots; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42815/12]
View answerI am informed by the Garda authorities that excessive or inappropriate speeding continues to be a significant contributory factor in road traffic collisions, including fatal and serious injury collisions. As part of the Road Safety Strategy 2007 - 2012 and the strategic goals of An Garda Síochána, a targeted approach to speed enforcement is being undertaken in order to significantly reduce the incidence of fatal and serious injuries and improve road safety.
An Garda Síochána, in conjunction with the National Roads Authority, completed an extensive analysis of the collision history on the road network. Sections of road have been identified where a significant proportion of collisions occurred whereby speed was deemed the primary contributory factor. Based on this analysis, a list of speed enforcement zones has been developed with the aim of providing information to motorists in order to raise awareness of speeding in these zones. An Garda Síochána utilises these zones in order to direct speed enforcement activity, in a proportionate and targeted manner.
I am further informed that safety cameras only operate on sections of road which have a history of collisions occurring where speed was a contributory factor. The locations of these speed enforcement zones are in the public domain and are available on the Garda website. For operational reasons An Garda Síochána does not publish data in respect of speeding detections made at specific locations. Data in respect of collision history is collated by the Road Safety Authority. Surveys continue to be conducted to ensure the appropriate deployment of safety cameras on roads which have been identified as subject of inappropriate speed and where fatal and serious injury collisions continue to occur.
