There has been a call this week on the Minister for Justice to intervene directly in any process aimed at renewing the privatisation of the Speed Camera system currently in place on Ireland’s roads.

Independent deputy, Mattie McGrath claims the speed detection system which we have at the moment is clearly ‘not fit for purpose’. “Since the whistle-blowers revelations from inside the organisational setup which implements the detection system emerged recently, we have seen far more cracks appear.

“Allegations that faulty equipment used by these privately operated speed cameras are causing drivers to be wrongly fined is a matter of deep concern and will do nothing to bring about safer driving on the roads.”

The South Tipp TD says that what is also very disturbing is the fact that although operations by the private company running the camera began in November 2010 and which was initially contracted to provide 6,000 enforcement hours a month, this number increased to 6,725 hours last year ‘but with no consequent reduction in road fatalities’.

“I would appeal to him to carry out an immediate analysis of the effectiveness of the speed camera detection system, especially in light of the fact District Court, Judge Patrick has criticised the handling of Go Safe prosecutions in court, calling them ‘a complete waste of public money’,” concluded Deputy McGrath.