Vol. 495 No. 4
343 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will assign further resources to acquire additional GATSO units; if he has obtained an assessment on the success of this system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20558/98]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the Garda operates two GATSO units at present. Three further units have been ordered and will be delivered in the near future. The Garda authorities are satisfied that the GATSO system is an effective and efficient means of reducing the speed at which people drive vehicles on our roads. For example, I understand that a reduction in average speed from 55 miles per hour to 47 miles per hour has been noted in an area where the GATSO unit has been used.
Fines on the spot notices are now issued where speeding offences are detected by the GATSO unit. I have been further informed by the Garda authorities that in excess of 75 per cent of these fines are paid when the ticket is issued and that a further 10 per cent of tickets issued are paid when summonses are issued.
The result of the use of GATSO combined with the use of fines on the spot for speeding has also the effect of reducing the amount of time spent by gardaí in court.
