Tipperary drivers will be the first to experience mainline speed camera on the M7 motorway from next week.
The camera will be in place between Junction 26 Nenagh West and Junction 27 Birdhill in both directions from 7am next Monday, (April 25).
The device monitors the driver’s average speed while driving through two points rather than a fixed point.
A garda spokesperson says vehicles detected driving in excess of the 120km/h posted motorway speed limit will be subject to prosecution. from that time on.
Drivers who are caught by mainline Motorway Average Speed Safety Camera system will get an €80 fixed penalty charge fine along with three penalty points on their licence.
During the Pilot scheme compliance level have been monitored (no prosecutions have taken place).
Prior to the installation of the Motorway Average Speed Safety Camera system compliance with the 120km/h motorway speed limit was below 70%. During the periods of the testing/ pilot scheme compliance levels have risen, but remain below 90%.
Analysis of traffic data by TII shows that speeding is typical of driver behaviour on low traffic volume sections of the motorway network throughout the country.
This type of driver behaviour is very dangerous, and it is compounded during rain or hail showers increasing the potential of serious accidents.
Further, the data identified that speeds are not being appropriately moderated in response to adverse weather conditions such as heavy rain or low road temperatures.
The specific locations chosen have been subject to frequent weather-related/micro-climate events (mostly hail) resulting in increased collision frequency in the area.
