Speedy solution on Garda safety cameras is possible – Collins

Fine Gael TD for Cork North West, Áine Collins, today (Thursday) suggested a practical solution to ensure the sustainability of our national speed camera network. Deputy Collins was speaking after her questioning of the Garda Síochána Commissioner at the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) today (Thursday), on the management and effectiveness of Go Safe Cameras.

“Originally it was felt that the Go Safe camera operation of An Garda Síochána would cover its costs with an estimated €70 million in annual income. This estimate was revised downwards in 2009 to €27 million. The income actually returned in 2012 was €4.6 million, at a cost of €15.6 million State.

“I accept that these Go Safe vans save lives and while it is really very positive that road deaths have decreased, I feel there is a way to maintain safety levels but at a more efficient cost to the taxpayer.

“Currently there are over 700 zoned locations in the country where Go Safe vans are in operation. Today at the PAC l questioned the Garda Commissioner as to whether we could use fixed speeding cameras in these locations instead of vans. This would have the same anti speed safety effect, as these 700 zoned locations are currently advertised on the Gardaí’s Go Safe website.

“The contract for the Go Safe vans is up for renewal in November of this year so it would be the perfect opportunity to review the situation. I really believe replacing some of our mobile units with fixed cameras will help to save the tax payer money and ensure the future sustainability of our national speed camera network, so that the lifesaving work can continue.”