AI could be used to catch wrong-way driving on Irish motorways

AI could turn really useful

RTÉ News reported that Minister of State for road safety Seán Canney outlined the possible move after an initial meeting with gardaí, Transport Infrastructure Ireland and the Road Safety Authority.

How AI could help spot wrong-way driving

The Independent TD, speaking at Government Buildings, said it is crucial Ireland makes wrong-way motorway driving an "intolerable" act.

"There is an opportunity with AI and the camera technology which we have at the moment," he said. "The M50, for example, is well covered with cameras, and on the road to Cork there is a lot of camera networks there.

"What we need to do is continue with AI technology to help us detect quicker what's going on, maybe have alerts quicker, and also the gardaí would then maybe be better placed to see how they deal with it."

Tougher penalties by the end of the year

According to Canney, his department will meet Department of Justice officials next week to draft new legislation.

Pressed on why new laws are needed when the act is already illegal, he said "the penalty" would be tougher, but did not elaborate.

Canney believes it will be part of the new Dáil term's priority legislation and wants it in place by the end of the year.

He also said platforms such as TikTok have a responsibility to do more, and that officials are "monitoring" activity on the site.

It follows a sharp rise in wrong-way driving incidents and a run of serious motorway collisions, including a crash at Ballymount on the M50 this week.