Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 April 2014
633. Deputy Luke 'Ming' Flanagan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will consider making it mandatory for dash cameras to be attached to the front and rear of all motor vehicles to monitor and regulate speeding and ensure safer driving conditions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15038/14]
View answerAction 64 of the Road Safety Strategy 2013-2020 commits the Road Safety Authority (RSA) to 'research emerging in-road and in-vehicle road safety technologies and make recommendations on their introduction'. Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA), which includes devices that assist drivers comply with speed limits, is being researched by the RSA and this has also been identified as a priority by the Speed Limit Review Group.
While the mandatory fitment of camera systems that continually record is not prohibited by road traffic legislation, I am advised that many factors must be considered before making recommendations for mandatory fitment. I am aware that some HGV operators use vision enhancement techniques such as camera and radar technologies which afford a view of a nearside blind spot when turning, and these can be effective in alerting drivers to the presence of cyclists in particular.
Of course, in relation to the dash cameras referred to by the Deputy, correct fitment of such devices would have to be ensured so that they did not interfere with a vehicle's controls, or distract the driver; data protection issues relating to the recording of other road users would have to be considered; and finally type approval for the fitment of such devices into new cars would need to be addressed.
My Department will continue to liaise with the RSA in relation to Action 64.
