Speed cameras may catch tax evaders

Speed cameras may soon be used to catch motor tax evaders under plans being drawn up by the Department of Transport.

Secretary general of the department, Tom O’Mahony, revealed the initiative yesterday as a measure to tackle motor tax evasion which costs the exchequer an estimated €54m in lost revenue each year.

He said the department was seeking legal advice on the controversial proposal to ensure it could use data captured by speed cameras for such a purpose. He also informed the Dáil Public Accounts Committee that there were concerns the measure could undermine public acceptance of speed cameras.