average speed cameras

TII are working with An Garda Síochána on the installation of Ireland’s first average speed camera enforcement system.

Chief Superintendent Aidan Reid, Garda National Traffic Bureau said, “We welcome this enhancement to the operations of the Dublin Port Tunnel.  Due to an increase in traffic travelling through Dublin Port Tunnel this new enforcement system provides additional support toward maintaining a safe travel experience for all users of the Tunnel.”

Michael Nolan CEO TII said, “An average speed camera enforcement system will assist in maintaining the Dublin Port Tunnel’s strong safety record.  TII is grateful to An Garda Síochána for supporting us with this operational improvement.”

  • Traffic levels through Dublin Port Tunnel have increased by 40% over the last 5 years and as a result there is statistically, an increase in the potential for collisions and accidents.  Average speed camera enforcement systems look to mitigate this potential because statistics show that there is typically a 50% reduction in the collision rate once in operation.
  • The average speed camera enforcement system monitors a driver’s average speed while driving through the Dublin Port Tunnel and if a driver is above the 80 km/h speed limit the driver will be in violation and enforcement penalties will apply.
  • Once the average speed camera enforcement system determines that a vehicle has exceeded the speed limit, it will automatically create a record of the violation which will then be transmitted to An Garda Síochána for their action. The enforcement procedure will mirror the existing procedures  developed by An Garda Síochána for automated processing of Road Traffic Offences that incur fixed charges and if applicable penalty points.
  • All drivers using the Dublin Port Tunnel should notice large yellow poles with cameras being installed tomorrow.  These poles will support the average speed camera enforcement system. Once the cameras are mounted testing will commence.  Upon completion of system testing it is anticipated that the system will go live later this year.
  • Average speed is recorded between two camera positions covering all lanes therefore switching lanes will have no effect on average speed monitoring.  The system will not have flashing lights or other operational indications, but it will be monitoring at all times.

Additional Background

Dublin Tunnel opened in December 20, 2006. It is a twin bore tunnel 4.5km in length. It forms the section of the M50 C-Ring road around Dublin City.

http://www.dublintunnel.ie/safety/

Average Speed Camera Enforcement

A fixed speed camera capture a vehicle’s speed at a fixed point on the road, average speed camera systems track a vehicle’s speed over a set distance.

FCN’s (Fixed Charge Notices)

When the Average Speed Camera system determines that a vehicle has exceeded the speed limit within the enforcement zone it will automatically create a record of the violation which will then be transmitted to An Garda Síochána for their action. The enforcement procedure will follow existing procedures  developed by An Garda Síochána for automated processing of Road Traffic Offences that incur fixed charges and if applicable penalty points.

Information about the Garda process of administering these fixed charge notices can be found on their website: www.garda.ie

Changing Lanes

Average speed is recorded between two camera positions – the enforcement zone.  Changing lanes between the positions will have no effect as the cameras monitor all lanes at the start and end of the enforcement zone which is the tunnel.