Motorists warned of new speed cameras on M50

Motorists in Dublin are being warned that Garda-controlled, fixed speed cameras have been installed on the M50.

Two new cameras have been set up along a 10km stretch of the motorway between the N4 Lucan exit and just south of the Tallaght interchange.

The speed limit on that section of the road is 60k/h. Roadside electronic message systems operated by the National Roads Authority (NRA), alerting motorists to the presence of the cameras, went "live" yesterday.

The NRA conceded that traffic along that stretch of the motorway was better known for its slow rather than fast pace. The area in question is where the NRA is currently building a third lane in each direction, and traffic congestion is a regular feature.

However, the NRA said it considered the issue of cameras to be a health and safety issue because of the proximity of the construction site. It referred all inquiries about the operation of the cameras to the Garda.

Prior to the M50 additions there were six working Garda speed cameras, out of a total of 20 cameras, all of which are located in the Greater Dublin Area. Garda sources indicated that any of the 20 may be chosen to be among the six working at any time.

In addition, the Garda have a small number of "Gatso" vans which can be deployed at will.

However, a new privatised speed camera system with 60 mobile cameras is to be in place by the autumn. The system, which will cost up to €25 million a year to operate, will target more than 600 collision black spots around the country.

The new cameras will be highly visible with advance warning signs for the first six months, and will coincide with a public awareness campaign.

Under the scheme being proposed by the Garda, more than 90 per cent of speed checks will be on secondary routes. The intention is to mount the speed cameras in unmarked vans.

Two mobile camera vans will be assigned to each Garda division, and at least six are to be operational at any one time. These units will also have the ability to operate at night.

The contract will be awarded by June, and the speed cameras are due to become operational by autumn.

The privatised system, recommended in road safety reports, is the latest element in the campaign to reduce road fatalities.