Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 February 2013
51. Deputy Luke 'Ming' Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he is satisfied with the operation of the GoSafe system; his plans to expand same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6015/13]
View answer62. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if his attention has been drawn to any problems in relation to the manner in which data is collected by the GoSafe system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6016/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 51 and 62 together.
I am informed by An Garda Síochána that the outsourced safety camera network commenced operations in November, 2010. The objective of the network is to reduce the number of speed related collisions and so save lives, as excessive or inappropriate speeding is a major factor in road traffic collisions and fatalities.
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. To this end, 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 also advised 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 www.garda.ie.
These speed enforcement zones are continually reviewed in light of survey data, collision history and local feedback to ensure that enforcement activity is properly targeted. 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.
I am assured by the Garda authorities that, in accordance with the contract with Go Safe, the service provider is responsible for ensuring that all equipment used in connection with the service is installed, calibrated and maintained in accordance with approved standards. I am further advised that An Garda Síochána is not aware of any issues with regard to equipment or technology utilised by the service provider in the provision of the safety camera service or any issue in terms of data or data transfer.
I am determined that resources of An Garda Síochána are used in the most efficient and effective way possible. In that regard, the outsourced safety camera network represents a considerable increase in capacity in terms of road safety enforcement while using Garda resources to the best possible effect.
