Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 November 2017
116. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of speed cameras operating on average in each county to date in 2017 in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47548/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI would like thank the Deputy for raising the serious issue of speeding on our roads, particularly given the onset of the darker winter months and the greater likelihood of inclement weather. Road safety is, of course, a shared responsibility and it is incumbent upon us all to play our part by driving within the speed limit.
As the Deputy will be aware, the enforcement of road traffic legislation (including the deployment of safety cameras) is an operational matter for An Garda Síochána, in which I have no direct role. You will appreciate that the overall objective of the safety camera network is to reduce the number of speed related collisions and to save lives, as excessive or inappropriate speeding is a major factor in road traffic collisions and fatalities.
A targeted approach to speed enforcement is 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 Transport Infrastructure Ireland, completed an extensive analysis of the collision history on Ireland's 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 set of speed enforcement zones was developed. An Garda Síochána utilises these zones in order to direct speed enforcement activity in a proportionate and targeted manner. 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 are conducted to ensure the appropriate deployment of safety cameras on roads which have been identified as subject to inappropriate speed and where fatal and serious injury collisions continue to occur.
In addition, safety cameras are utilised by An Garda Síochána during day to day enforcement of the relevant provisions of the Road Traffic Acts and as part of specific target Garda operations throughout the country.
