Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 295: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of fixed speed cameras operating at any one time; his views on whether this number is adequate in view of the continuing level of accidents and road deaths; his plans for the provision of additional speed cameras to reduce the level of road deaths; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15562/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Garda authorities inform me that currently there are three fixed speed cameras rotated between the 20 fixed camera installation posts. I am also informed by the Garda that there is a range of mobile speed detection equipment, including six Gatso vans, a mobile unit with on board cameras, radar and computer system, in operation throughout the State. There are also currently in use by the Garda Síochána a number of laser speed detection equipment, including hand-held speed detection devices and car and motorcycle systems.

The Government's road safety strategy 2004-06 proposes that 1.1 million vehicle speeding checks be carried out per year by the end of the strategy. To achieve this target, the strategy proposes that the Garda Síochána will enter into arrangements for the engagement of a private sector concern for the provision and operation of a nationwide programme for the detection of speeding offences. The strategy makes clear that the overall performance criteria to be applied to the outsourced detection of speeding offences would be determined by the Garda Síochána and camera detection facilities would be used at locations where the Garda Síochána determine there is an established or prospective risk of collisions. The purpose of the initiative would be to increase road safety and thereby reduce death and injuries, not increase revenue. Outsourcing of the operation of camera equipment would enable the Gardaí to withdraw from non-core policing matters and free up Garda resources for enforcement purposes, thus allowing gardaí to concentrate on detections requiring direct interception, such as driving while intoxicated.

A working group on speed cameras chaired by my Department, and consisting of representatives of the Garda Síochána, the Department of Transport and the National Roads Authority, examined how the provision, operation and processing of the output of speed cameras might operate. Among the issues considered by the working group were the benefits and financial aspects of outsourcing and the management of any outsourcing project. The working group has submitted its report to my colleague the Minister for Transport and me and we are currently examining it with a view to bringing proposals to Government.