Gardaí have confirmed that new testing has begun for both average safety cameras across the country, as they continue to implement a nationwide rollout.
Infrastructure and technology for two average safety camera systems have been installed on both the N3 in Cavan and N5 in Mayo.
The average Safety Cameras have been installed between Kilduff and BIllis, Cavan on the N3, and between Lislackagh and Cuilmore, Swinford on the N5.
Commissioning and testing has already began for these average safety cameras, and will continue for a number of weeks.
Gardaí said these sites were chosen as they meet the criteria for 'high collision sites', with numerous road traffic collisions, involving injury, serious injury and fatalities taking place on both roads.
Multiple crashes have taken place on the n3 and N5 this year, with Mayo recording the highest road fatalities of any county in 2024 as of October 3rd.
Average Safety Cameras are intended to change driver behaviour, reducing average speed of road users and the number of collisions that occur, making roads safer for all road users and decreasing the impact of speed on local communities.
Average safety cameras work by monitoring a vehicle's speed over a certain distance, rather than at a single point.
Unlike static safety camera detection which measures the motorists speed at one particular point along the road, average Safety cameras monitor a driver’s average speed while driving between two points by scanning number plates.
The purchase of infrastructure and operation of this initial phase of safety cameras is a funded initiative by An Garda Síochána.
According to gardaí, speed is a significant contributor to road deaths, and a cause in 30% of fatal collisions. International experience shows that safety cameras lead to a reduction in speed by drivers.
Average Safety Cameras are intended to change driver behaviour, reducing average speed of road users and the number of collisions that occur, making roads safer for all road users and decreasing the impact of speed on local communities.
The purchase of infrastructure and operation of this initial phase of safety cameras is a funded initiative by An Garda Síochána.
The completion of this initial phase was aided by Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), Local Authorities, LGMA, ESB and contractors.
The locations of the new static safety cameras are set to be revealed in coming months as the roll-out of this phase of safety cameras continues.
An Garda Síochána also welcomed the announcement in Budget 2025 of €9 million in funding for up to 100 new static safety cameras.
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