Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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Question 218: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding speeding offences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31538/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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The issuing of fixed charge notices for relevant offences is a matter for An Garda Síochána.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that when a fixed charge notice is issued to a motorist for an alleged speeding offence all necessary information is contained thereon. The image of the offending vehicle's registration plate is included on the notice. The recorded speed at which the vehicle was travelling at the time of the alleged offence and the prescribed speed limit at which it is alleged to be in excess of are also specified.

As the Deputy will be aware, the relevant road traffic legislation, for which my colleague the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport is responsible, provides that the recipient of a fixed charge notice has the option of paying the fixed charge or allowing the matter to proceed to be dealt with by the courts, where, on conviction, a person may be liable to a fine and additional penalty points.

I am also informed that excessive or inappropriate speeding continues to be a significant contributory factor in fatal and serious injury collisions. In that regard, safety cameras only operate on sections of road which have a history of collisions occurring where speed was a contributory factor. The locations of these speed enforcement zones are in the public domain and are available on the Garda website. Surveys are conducted on an ongoing basis to ensure the appropriate deployment of safety cameras on our roads.