New motorway camera to detect average speeds

A new system for detecting speeding motorists launches in Ireland next Monday April 25.

A Motorway Average Speed Safety Camera system has been installed on the M7 in Tipperary between Junction 26 and Junction 27, both directions, eastbound and westbound.

At 7am next Monday, the system will go operational and vehicles detected driving in excess of the 120km/h posted motorway speed limit will be subject to prosecution.

The system has been running on a pilot basis and gardaí have monitored compliance levels, but without issuing any penalties.

According to the gardaí, prior to the installation of the system, compliance with the 120km/h motorway speed limit was below 70%. During the periods of the testing/ pilot scheme compliance levels have risen, but remain below 90%.

The specific locations chosen have been subject to frequent weather-related/micro-climate events (mostly hail) resulting in increased collision frequency in the area.

Prosecution of speeding offences takes place by Fixed Charge Notice. The current Fixed Charge Notice is €80 fine accompanied by 3 penalty points. Further details of the Fixed Charge Notice system are published on the Garda website.