Ireland's first Motorway Average Speed Camera System has been launched today (25 April).
The new camera system is in place on the M7 in Tipperary between Junction 26 and Junction 27, both directions, eastbound and westbound, and has been operational since 7am this morning.
Vehicles detected driving in excess of the 120km/h posted motorway speed limit will be subject to prosecution from Monday onwards.
Anyone detected speeding by the system will be subject to an €80 fine accompanied by three penalty points.
Analysis of a pilot scheme has shown an increase in compliance with the speed limit with the system in place.
Prior to the installation of the 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 (Transport Infrastructure Ireland) shows that speeding is typical of driver behaviour on low traffic volume sections of the motorway network throughout the country," a Garda spokesperson said.
"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."
Further details of the Fixed Charge Notice system are available on the
Garda website.
