Public confidence in static speed cameras needs to be restored following N25 saga
A static speed camera and its associated signage near Glenmore on the N25 have been a source of controversy since being installed last year.
Thousands of speeding fines have been issued and it is understood that approximately €5 million euro has been generated from the camera.
The camera is located shortly after the speed limit transitions from 100kmh to 80kmh. Motorists say this doesn’t allow sufficient distance to safely and gradually reduce speed before reaching the camera.
Additional signage has now been erected, which has prompted calls to quash any fines incurred prior to the addition of new signs.
The issue was raised by representatives from Kilkenny County Council last week, and by Labour TD George Lawlor, who is asking the Minister for Justice to immediately have fines revoked.
During a meeting between senior executives of Kilkenny Council and local councillors held in Ferrybank Library last week, Cllr Fidelis Doherty said that local representatives are being inundated with correspondence from motorists who have been penalised by the camera.
“It’s a huge issue for well over 31,000 people finding themselves with heavy fines and penalties, maybe even reaching six or nine points” she said.
“People who have never had a point on their license before are now feeling very aggrieved and upset.
“I don’t know where it’s all going to end, there’s been well over €5 million euro now and people ask where that money is going.
“Things have improved but it’s still a very unsavoury situation. We all have responsibility to drive safely and observe speed limits, but this has been quite a mess.”
Meanwhile, Labour TD George Lawlor has penned a letter to Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan, asking that all fines and points issued to motorists who were travelling under 100km/h at the time of detection be immediately revoked.
Lawlor said in the letter that he supports the use of static speed cameras when they are implemented correctly. He added that the number of fines issued at Glenmore suggests that the problem lies not with driver behaviour, but with the insufficient and unclear signage leading up to the camera.
“I am asking you to act immediately to ensure that the purpose of these cameras – road safety – is upheld, and that public confidence in their fairness and legitimacy is restored” he said in his correspondence to the Minister.
(Funded by the Local Democracy Scheme)
