Testing for new average speed cameras is now underway, gardaí have said, with the locations for two of the cameras now confirmed.
Average speed cameras track a vehicle’s speed over a distance instead of at a single point. This will allow gardaí to monitor a driver’s average speed while driving between two points.
The infrastructure and technology for two of these cameras have been set up on the N3 between Kilduff and Billis in Co Cavan, and on the N5 between Lislackagh and Cuilmore in Swinford, Co Mayo.
These locations have been chosen for average speed cameras because they are “high collision sites” that have seen a number of collisions leading to injury, serious injury and deaths.
The aim of average speed cameras is to encourage drivers to reduce their average speed and bring down the number of collisions. A total of three average speed cameras are set to go live along with nine new static speed cameras.
Installation of the two new camera systems comes as part of a wider initiative by gardaí, and was carried out with the help of Transport Infrastructure Ireland, local authorities, the ESB, the Local Government Management Agency and contractors.
The third average speed camera is to be placed on the N2 at Slane. The route goes from Dublin to the Border, near Aughnacloy in Co Tyrone.
It is expected the nine new static speed cameras will be operational by the end of this year. The locations were announced in May:
Gardaí chose these locations based on fatal and serious injury collision data from the last seven years, speed data and feedback from stakeholders.
Advance notice will be provided when new speed cameras move into the enforcement phase and road users will be notified of them through road signage.
Gardaí also welcomed the announcement from Justice Minister Helen McEntee of €9 million in funding for up to 100 new speed cameras as part of Budget 2025.