An identical system is in place in the Port Tunnel.
Average speed cameras are set to be introduced on mainline Irish motorways for the first time.
Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), the Roads Safety Authority (RSA) and An Garda Síochána announced on Tuesday that the pilot average speed safety camera system will be deployed on the M7 in Tipperary between Junction 26-Nenagh (West) and Junction 27-Birdhill, covering both directions.
An identical system has been operational in the Dublin Port Tunnel since 2017.
The installation of the system at the M7 sites began on 8 March and will be followed by a period of testing.
The roadside equipment will include the yellow poles and cameras traditionally associated with speed cameras and the specific locations have been chosen due frequent hail showers, resulting in increased collision frequency in the area.
An Garda Síochána has said no date has been confirmed for the system to go live, but said there will be a formal announcement at least 10 days before the system is operational.
In a statement, Gardaí said a system of fixed cautionary signage will be in place to indicate the average speed zone with additional Variable Message Signs (VMS) being used to highlight the go-live date.
Gardaí said the aim of the system is to secure compliance, not to increase prosecutions.
The average speed camera enforcement system monitors a driver’s average speed while driving through two points.
Once the 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.
Kevin O’Rourke, TII Head of Network Operation, said: “The success of the Average Speed Safety Camera system in Dublin Tunnel is demonstrated by the reduction in speeding incidents by about 80%.
“This highlights the potential significant safety benefits for both the road user and our teams working on the motorways from using such systems on the wider motorway network and is in line with international experience.”
Michael Rowland, Director, Road Safety, Driver Education & Research, RSA, said: “It is a proven fact that driving too fast increases your risk of being involved in a serious or fatal collision. Every year, approximately one third of all road deaths in Ireland are linked to speeding.
“If we all reduced the average speed on our road network by just 5%, we could reduce road deaths by 20% and injuries by 10%. Safety cameras have been in operation in Ireland since November 2010 and are proven life savers. They are about saving lives and preventing injuries.
“Where safety cameras have been deployed, deaths and serious injuries as a result of speeding have reduced. Everyone has a choice; we can slow down and save a life, or we can speed, risk your own life and the lives of others, in addition to risking penalty points and a fine.”
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