Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The Minister argues that the system has proven to be very effective. He indicated that to date this year, some 67 people have lost their lives, which is horrific. We must ensure that all relevant safety measures, including improving our roads and erecting proper speed limit signs in very dangerous locations, are put in place. I have been approached by citizens who informed me that they have encountered either GoSafe or Garda vans on empty straight roads. Basically, those in the vans who are shooting fish in a barrel and their actions lead to every person detected speeding being obliged to pay €80 per head. In one recent incident of which I was made aware, a family with a very disabled child driving down Griffith Avenue were caught doing 60 km/h in a 50 km/h zone. The road was completely devoid of other traffic but there was still a van there to monitor people's speed. On another occasion, people who exited Parnell Park after a St. Vincent's GAA match came across gardaí nicking people for speeding on the Malahide Road.

Does that to which I refer really constitute good and effective policing? Is it what we want in terms of ensuring road safety? The Minister must listen to the view of the people and I am aware of some individuals who believe the penalty points system to be just another revenue-raising mechanism? We all want to improve road safety and I have no difficulty which GoSafe and Garda vans monitoring people's speed on very dangerous routes. I welcome that the Minister is going to monitor what is happening. I hope that will lead to his spotting the fact that there is a little scam going on.

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