Speed cameras plan may face cost delay
The roll-out of speed cameras across the state may be delayed to save costs, politicians warned today.
The Garda’s Policing Plan for 2009 vowed to put the roadside technology in place by the second half of the year and a Co Kerry firm was awarded the tender.
However Fine Gael said in the Dáil that the Government may have long-fingered the speed camera network to save money – even though the number of road deaths is rising.
Fine Gael TD Jimmy Deenihan tried to raise the issue in the Dáil but was ruled out of order.
“Will the Taoiseach confirm whether the scheme is postponed or abandoned?” he asked.
“It is a very important issue. People are being killed on the roads,” he said.
“These cameras were supposed to be the great deterrent for motorists who speed,” he said.
Fine Gael transport spokesman Fergus O’Dowd said: “Earlier in the year, the number of road deaths was down 20% on the corresponding period last year.
“Now, however, road deaths are at the same level as 2008.”
He also claimed cutbacks in overtime in the Garda Traffic Corps were impacting on the enforcement of offences on roads.
And he called for the mandatory testing of people at the scene of accidents.
Taoiseach Brian Cowen did not reply to the specific questions raised but confirmed a new Road Traffic Bill would be introduced in the Dáil before the summer recess.
Ceann Comhairle John O’Donoghue called on Fine Gael to raise road traffic issues with the Minister for Transport.
