Cameras to catch and fine red-light offenders to be introduced later this year

The new technology is to be rolled out as the Transport Minister says large numbers of drivers are breaking red lights at junctions. Picture: Denis Minihane.

New cameras that automatically fine motorists who break red lights will be introduced later this year, Transport Minister Eamon Ryan has confirmed.

The new technology is to be rolled out as the transport minister says large numbers of drivers are breaking red lights at junctions.

Speaking at the RDS, Mr Ryan confirmed the technology would first be rolled out in Dublin before the end of the year.

“When we do surveys, we find a large number of people are breaking lights. That is a huge safety concern," he said.

“Among the whole series of new camera technologies we’re going to introduce will be the introduction of cameras, starting in Dublin, where you have an automated system that captures any breaking of lights or entry into bus lanes inappropriately.” 

Mr Ryan said that the issuing of fines would be automatically done, to reduce the cost and time required to pursue motorists who break red lights.

The minister added that he is due to be briefed on the matter later on Monday.

Mr Ryan said that the Government is currently fast-tracking legislation to reduce the speed limits on roads around the country, but accepted that it would be the end of the year before this is seen widely.

It comes as Taoiseach Simon Harris and Mr Ryan are due to meet with the Road Safety Authority also on Monday, as more than 60 people have lost their lives on roads so far this year.

Earlier this week, Mr Harris met both Garda Commissioner Drew Harris and Justice Minister Helen McEntee for discussions on road safety. 

It came after the Garda Commissioner ordered that all uniformed gardaí must conduct 30 minutes of “high visibility roads policing” during their shifts as part of efforts to combat bad driver behaviour.