Mr. Peter Walsh:

The eMOS system will not add to congestion, but reduce it, because it will create a smoother flow. That is the easiest way of looking at it. The purpose of analysing flows is to enable continuous smooth flow. That is what will determine the appropriate speed limit to be applied at a particular time. The Senator is absolutely right that the proximity of junctions on the M50 contributes to those circumstances we are trying to dynamically control. One of the things we have seen recently is that, when traffic volumes on the M50 dropped due to the Covid restrictions, there was a disproportionate drop in the number of accidents on the motorway. This is proof positive that, as congestion levels rise, there is a disproportionate rise in the number of accidents and incidents on the motorway. We need to deal with this. The causes are the volumes of traffic and the weaving required because of the close proximity of junctions on that particular stretch of road. I hope that answers the Senator's question. It is not our intention at the moment to roll this system out to other sections of the network. It is an expensive system and it would be more difficult to justify in a business case in respect of other sections. There are no plans for that at the moment but this Bill, if approved and enacted, would allow for it in due course.