Petition to review problematic static speed camera attracts thousands of signatures
A static speed camera and its associated signage have proved problematic for motorists since being installed on the N25 last year.
Motorists from Waterford, Wexford and Kilkenny regularly use the busy road, and thousands of speeding fines have been issued since the installation.
Motorists believe that there is unclear signage on the approach to the camera.
The camera is located shortly after the speed limit transitions from 100kmh to 80kmh. Drivers say this doesn’t allow sufficient distance to safely and gradually reduce speed before reaching the camera.
Resultingly, there has been a massive increase in the number of fixed charge notices being issued at the location, which is a fine of €160 accompanied by three penalty points.
The issue has been discussed widely, and Tánaiste Simon Harris discussed the matter in the Dáil last week.
Additionally, a petition which has amassed over 2,700 signatures is calling on Killkenny County Council to urgently review the speed limit transition.
The online petition calls on Kilkenny Council to review the speed limit transition distance, review the placement and visibility of the speed limit signage, consider additional advance warning signage before the reduced speed limit, and ensure the road layout prioritises safety, clarity, and fair enforcement.
The petition states: 'Many drivers do not have enough time or appropriate notice to adjust their speed for the new lower limit. People are then being picked up by a fixed speed camera.
'This situation can lead to drivers being penalised unfairly, even when they are trying to slow down responsibly. It is not about avoiding speed limits, it is about ensuring that the road layout and signage are clear and give drivers adequate time to react safely.'
Meanwhile, in Dáil Eireann recently, Tánaiste Simon Harris commented on the matter.
The Tánaiste’s comments came in response to remarks made by Wexford based Labour party TD, George Lawlor, who said that "because of inadequate and poorly placed signage, the camera is penalising even the safest of drivers."
He said "literally thousands of drivers" have been caught by the static speed camera since its installation.
“I spoke to a woman recently who received three penalty notices, in other words nine points, in the space of a week as a result of the poor and inadequate signage to which I refer.
Simon Harris disagreed with the Deputy, saying that the woman he was referring to received penalty points because she was speeding, not because there was a lack of signage.
“I encourage people to put up correct signage, but we are living through a road safety crisis. Static cameras are an effort to try to assist people. Nobody likes to get penalty points. If you obey the rules of the road, you will not get penalty points" the Tánaiste added.
Councillors in Waterford and Kilkenny have been consistently raising the matter.
At a meeting of the Municipal District of Piltown held at Ferrybank library this afternoon, the issue was discussed again by several councillors.
Cathaoirleach of the District, Cllr Pat Dunphy, said: “When you come up from the bridge on that road, you’re on top of that static camera very, very quickly.”
John Tennyson, Engineer with Kilkenny County Council, said the matter will need to be picked up by Transport Infrastructure Ireland for a signage review.
He also suggested to councillors that proposing a motion to the Kilkenny Plenary Council would be a suitable vehicle to getting the issue raised further.
Cllr Dunphy said that councillors will endeavour to do so.
(Funded by the Local Democracy Scheme)
