The new technology was announced for the tunnel back in January.
New technology aimed at catching speeding drivers at Dublin’s Port Tunnel will go live from midnight tonight, 1 June.
Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), along with An Garda Síochána and Dublin Tunnel operator, Egis, have unveiled Ireland’s first average speed camera enforcement system.
Traffic levels through Dublin Tunnel have increased by 40% over the last five years and as a result, there is statistically an increase in the potential for collisions and incidents.
Average speed camera enforcement systems look to mitigate the potential for these incidents as, statistically, there is typically a 50% reduction in the collision rate once in operation.
The average speed camera enforcement system monitors a driver’s average speed while driving through the Dublin Tunnel and if a driver is in violation of the 80 km/h speed limit, enforcement penalties will apply.
All drivers using the Dublin Tunnel should notice large yellow poles. These poles support the average speed camera enforcement system. The system will not have flashing lights or other operational indications, but it will be monitoring at all times.
Once the average speed camera enforcement 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.
The enforcement procedure will mirror the existing procedures developed by An Garda Síochána for the processing of speeding offences that incur a fixed charge and applicable penalty points.
The fixed charge penalty for speeding is currently a €80 fine and three penalty points on your licence, increasing to five penalty points and an increased fine if convicted in court.
Welcoming today’s announcement, Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Shane Ross T.D, said: “Any initiative that has the potential to save lives and reduce serious injuries on our roads is to be welcomed.”
More information about the new Port Tunnel technology and the fixed charges issued by Gardaí for those caught speeding can be found on their website.
