Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 222: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of speed cameras which will be introduced nationally as a result of the introduction of the new system; the number of speeding infringements it is estimated will be detected annually under the proposed system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11493/07]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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Following a call for expressions of interest, a number of candidates have been awarded pre-qualification status. A detailed Request for Tender will issue to the shortlisted candidates in the near future.

It is currently estimated that checks will be conducted by both mobile and fixed cameras at approximately 500-1,000 locations throughout the State. It is also expected that there will be monitoring locations in every county, although the number of locations will vary, based on the results of analysis of speed-related collisions. Respondents to the Request for Tender will be invited to make proposals to meet these requirements, including details of the number of cameras they propose to provide. Following an evaluation process the successful candidate will be selected on the basis of the tenders received and it is only at that stage the number of safety cameras to be introduced will be known.

It is not possible to estimate the number of infringements that may be detected as a consequence of the engagement of a private service provider for the operation of safety cameras. It is expected that the operation of the safety cameras will bring about a change in driver behaviour and an improvement in the compliance culture, with the overall objective of reducing road deaths and injuries. The service provider will be engaged on the basis of hours spent carrying out speed checks and not on the number of detections made.