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Speed cameras in Ireland - a guide

24567…26

Comments

  • #52
    ABEasy
    Registered Users Posts: 566 ✭✭✭ABEasy


    Bit off topic but can the go safe vans park on the hard shoulder of a motorway? Can it park in the Garda speed ramps on a motorway?


  • #53
    rabbitinlights
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,008 ✭✭✭rabbitinlights


    That clip shows it flashing visibly?


  • #54
    JMSE
    Registered Users Posts: 902 ✭✭✭JMSE


    Ironclaw thanks for all the info so far, one thing you mentioned a while back was about it not working in snow, wet etc...

    Can you elaborate on the 'wet', does the gosafe radar not work in the rain?


  • #55
    ironclaw
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,004 ✭✭✭ironclaw


    Iwannahurl wrote: »
    Interesting video.

    Pardon my ignorance, but in relation to the example above how exactly does the GoSafe technology distinguish which vehicle is speeding? In this case both vehicles are passing the camera more or less at the same time. The flash is triggered by the faster of the two (assuming the vehicle being overtaken is within the limit) but presumably both are 'in the frame'. Does the system select the speeding vehicle automatically, or is there some human judgment in the process?

    With regards to this video, the car with the in car camera triggered the van but the guy over taking would technically have been going faster. There is a guideline however if more than one car is in the same photo, the offense is disregarded. Simply because it could be either of the cars e.g. Reasonable doubt. This is extremely unlikely to happen so its not a hard and fast defense.

    To answer your question, the van targets a particular car and snaps if over the limit. The human aspect would be like the above e.g. More than one car in frame etc.
    ABEasy wrote: »
    Bit off topic but can the go safe vans park on the hard shoulder of a motorway? Can it park in the Garda speed ramps on a motorway?

    Good question. I'm probably wrong but its illegal to "park" on a motorway unless your conducting work or the Gardai. As such I would imagine motorway use is a no go as they would be committing an offense. I'm open to correct however.
    rabbitinlights wrote: »
    That clip shows it flashing visibly?

    Its a IR flash. Video camera's pick up visible and invisible light, most noticeably in the UV and IR range (Just outside your eyes range) The driver of this clip saw no flash but it appears on the video. Hence IR flash. If they used a "real flash" it would be blinding and dangerous for drivers. The unit I would imagine doubles as a real flash as well. But as I've said on other threads, IR is actually better as you can get a better black-white (e.g. Number plate) contrast.
    JMSE wrote: »
    Ironclaw thanks for all the info so far, one thing you mentioned a while back was about it not working in snow, wet etc...

    Can you elaborate on the 'wet', does the gosafe radar not work in the rain?

    Laser can't be operated in extremely high humidity. You'd want it to be enough precipitation e.g. rain, snow or sleet so that your visibility would be affected. Put it this way, ground radar at airports is affected by precipitation so you can only imagine what it would do to a lesser radar. I wouldn't use it as a legal defense but it would call the accuracy into disrepute as the radar / laser would be bouncing off particles which would distort the return (Note: The units have a built in tolerance for this)


  • #56
    -Chris-
    Closed Accounts Posts: 12,035 ✭✭✭✭-Chris-


    I've been wondering about their "tracking" ability.

    They're supposed to work for hundreds of meters, but the camera won't focus or get a good picture at that distance.

    What would happen if you were doing 20km over the limit and you spotted the camera 300m away. If you slowed to the limit quick smart, by the time you got to the "taking a photo" range you'd be doing the limit.

    Does it measure your speed in the instant that it's taking the picture, or has it the ability to lock on to a distant speeding car and remember to take a photo of it even if it's reduced its speed in the meantime?


  • #57
    GER82
    Registered Users Posts: 34 ✭GER82


    hello all.
    I passed what appeared to be a speed van today.
    However, there was not writing or identification labels on it.
    I understood that all of the new mobile vans had the camera synbol and identification/luminous lining on the van.
    There was what appeared to be 2 lights in the rear end. I was doing 106 km/hr in 100km/hr, would I have been caught or is there a tolerance . cheers


  • #58
    BronsonTB
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,897 ✭✭✭BronsonTB


    GER82 wrote: »
    hello all.
    I passed what appeared to be a speed van today.
    However, there was not writing or identification labels on it.
    I understood that all of the new mobile vans had the camera synbol and identification/luminous lining on the van.
    There was what appeared to be 2 lights in the rear end. I was doing 106 km/hr in 100km/hr, would I have been caught or is there a tolerance . cheers


    Covered on lots of speed camera threads here....But in short garda vans & survey vans don't have to have any markings on them. And no there is very little tolerance allowed any more.

    www.sligowhiplash.com - 2nd & 3rd Aug '25



  • #59
    Esel
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 22,495 ✭✭✭✭Esel


    GER82 wrote: »
    I was doing 106 km/hr in 100km/hr, would I have been caught or is there a tolerance.
    Whatever about a 'tolerance', the odds are that your indicated 106 was actually less than 100. My 2c is that you won't get the dreaded letter.

    Not your ornery onager



  • #60
    -Chris-
    Closed Accounts Posts: 12,035 ✭✭✭✭-Chris-


    GER82 wrote: »
    hello all.
    I passed what appeared to be a speed van today.
    However, there was not writing or identification labels on it.
    I understood that all of the new mobile vans had the camera synbol and identification/luminous lining on the van.
    There was what appeared to be 2 lights in the rear end. I was doing 106 km/hr in 100km/hr, would I have been caught or is there a tolerance . cheers

    Hi Ger,

    You've already asked this question in several threads.

    http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=73682861&postcount=2058
    http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=73674067&postcount=12
    http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=73660570&postcount=12
    http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=73658434&postcount=57
    http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=73668452&postcount=44

    Could you keep the discussion to one thread please? The Speed Camera Mega Thread preferably.
    http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=73682861&postcount=2058

    Thanks


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  • #61
    Hicser1
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1 ✭Hicser1


    Hi,

    I overtook a truck and hit 110kmh when I saw a Gatso van facing me at the other side of the road, I sped down below 100 by the time I was passing him.

    Does anyone know if I would be ok, I read on some posts that the detectors & cameras are only at the back of the vans,

    Thanks,
    Hicser


  • #62
    pa990
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,883 ✭✭✭pa990


    Hicser1 wrote: »
    Hi,

    I overtook a truck and hit 110kmh when I saw a Gatso van facing me at the other side of the road, I sped down below 100 by the time I was passing him.

    Does anyone know if I would be ok, I read on some posts that the detectors & cameras are only at the back of the vans,

    Thanks,
    Hicser

    Have a read of mega thread, everything will be answered in the first and last few pages

    (and repeated ad nauseum in between)


  • #63
    Jimmy Bottlehead
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,121 ✭✭✭✭Jimmy Bottlehead


    Finally seen a speed van for the first time this weekend. Sadly, I may have been slightly above the designated speed limit, so I'm expecting a letter to arrive at some point in the future :(
    Oddly enough I seen a second soon after, both on the way from Dublin to Longford, seems they were out in force for a change.


  • #64
    eringobragh
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,668 ✭✭✭eringobragh


    Jimmy Bottlehead wrote: »
    Finally seen a speed van for the first time this weekend. Sadly, I may have been slightly above the designated speed limit, so I'm expecting a letter to arrive at some point in the future :(
    Oddly enough I seen a second soon after, both on the way from Dublin to Longford, seems they were out in force for a change.

    Seen 3 in one weekend! Although the Cavan / Leitrim people were more then generous with their flashing :cool:


  • #65
    keithclancy
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,208 ✭✭✭keithclancy


    You guys are lucky, hard to miss a great honking big van.

    Here they take the picture from the back, the van is usually hidden in the bushes off the motorway and the camera is also obsctured by either a motorway emergency phone or reeds.

    E.G.

    controles-wegpolitie-ruim-2-000-bestuurders-te-snel-op-snelweg-id2277141-460x0.jpg


  • #66
    Iwannahurl
    Closed Accounts Posts: 8,156 ✭✭✭Iwannahurl


    keithclancy wrote: »
    You guys are lucky, hard to miss a great honking big van.

    Here they take the picture from the back, the van is usually hidden in the bushes off the motorway and the camera is also obsctured by either a motorway emergency phone or reeds.

    E.G.

    http://s2.hbvl.be/ahimgpath/assets_img_gvl/2011/11/19/2059431/controles-wegpolitie-ruim-2-000-bestuurders-te-snel-op-snelweg-id2277141-460x0.jpg



    What happens to the 'unlucky' motorists there?

    TTBOMK the Dutch have been taking speed surveillance (and road safety in general) very seriously for many years.

    A varied programme of overt and covert surveillance, along with visible policing, is most effective.

    The combination of approaches is needed to reduce different kinds of "halo effect".

    http://ec.europa.eu/transport/road_safety/specialist/knowledge/pdf/speed_enforcement.pdf

    Since speed cameras can clock vehicles travelling in either direction, I don't know why more surveilance isn't done in this way in Ireland.

    Personally I'd like to 'see' more hidden surveillance here to match the highly-visible GoSafe vans. The number of fines could be much higher, of course, but in a small country like this the deterrent impact could be high.


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  • #67
    Jimmy Bottlehead
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,121 ✭✭✭✭Jimmy Bottlehead


    Quick question - I received my speeding ticket in the post today, so €80 and 2 points.

    Anyways, do I need to let my insurance company know about the points? Or will they be able to update that themselves?

    Thanks!


  • #68
    TestTransmission
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 19,106 ✭✭✭✭TestTransmission


    Jimmy Bottlehead wrote: »
    Quick question - I received my speeding ticket in the post today, so €80 and 2 points.

    Anyways, do I need to let my insurance company know about the points? Or will they be able to update that themselves?

    Thanks!

    You gotta tell them, how long is it do you have the Honda? Didn't take you long. :D


  • #69
    Jimmy Bottlehead
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,121 ✭✭✭✭Jimmy Bottlehead


    TestTransmission wrote: »
    You gotta tell them, how long is it do you have the Honda? Didn't take you long. :D

    Have it since October, so got about 5 months without getting done for speeding. Not a bad run! But I'll have to take her easier from here on in :)


  • #70
    flyguy
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,196 ✭✭✭flyguy


    Hey guys have a question I didn't see answered yet (or i missed it).
    If you get caught speeding in Ireland due you get a measurement correction on the measured speed?
    I countries like the Netherlands, France the corrections range from 3% to 5% of the measured speed. The reason for the correction is that no equipment is 100% accurate and the speed measured could be more (or less) than you were actually doing. Since this error shouldn't put you at a disadvantage they should always deduct it from the measured speed.
    Secondly in the Netherlands there are some strict rules the operator of the speed camera had to follow. They can't just park up anywhere and start flashing. They have to take measurement and make sure the equipment is aligned properly with the road. IIRC they also can't setup on a bend since this could generate inaccurate measurements.
    I assume the go-safe vans have similar regulations?

    <snip>


  • #71
    Guisseppeth
    Registered Users Posts: 200 ✭✭Guisseppeth


    Got a fixed penalty notice this week (92km/h in 80km/h zone). From the date and time on it I can tell exactly where we were going at the time and remember coming across the van. However it was driving along the road towards us and was about a mile away from the location specified on the notice.

    I read on the OP that they cannot operate while moving so I was wondering how this can happen? If it turns out that they can then I'll happily pay the fine and take the points as I can't be sure that I wasn't speeding even though I'm a pretty careful driver normally (thats what they all say eh??)

    If they can't any suggestions to what I can do, if anything? I've searched and read through the mega thread and cannot find much relating to this.

    Cheers


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  • #72
    ironclaw
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,004 ✭✭✭ironclaw


    Guisseppeth wrote: »
    Got a fixed penalty notice this week (92km/h in 80km/h zone). From the date and time on it I can tell exactly where we were going at the time and remember coming across the van. However it was driving along the road towards us and was about a mile away from the location specified on the notice.

    I read on the OP that they cannot operate while moving so I was wondering how this can happen? If it turns out that they can then I'll happily pay the fine and take the points as I can't be sure that I wasn't speeding even though I'm a pretty careful driver normally (thats what they all say eh??)

    If they can't any suggestions to what I can do, if anything? I've searched and read through the mega thread and cannot find much relating to this.

    Cheers

    Don't wish to be rude, but you were caught by a stationary van / Garda at some point. They don't capture when in motion.

    The Garda do have mobile laser units that can take photos. They are rare, but do exist. They are much more easily concealable. There are fixed cameras on some roads, where exactly were you caught?

    Or you could have been done by an unmarked Garda van.


  • #73
    Guisseppeth
    Registered Users Posts: 200 ✭✭Guisseppeth


    No worries about the rude bit.

    It was on a regional road over in rural Co Roscommon. The van is quite a common sight on that stretch of road apparently but it was definitely on the move when I met it. In fact we were talking about it when I got to the birthday party we were heading to and I mentioned that I had met it on the road on the way into town.

    I find it hard to believe that there would be another stationary van there as well though I suppose its not impossible. As you say it may have been an unmarked Gardai car.

    Is there any way of requesting more information on it ie will they tell you if it was the van or a gardai car etc etc

    Cheers


  • #74
    ironclaw
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,004 ✭✭✭ironclaw


    Guisseppeth wrote: »
    No worries about the rude bit.

    It was on a regional road over in rural Co Roscommon. The van is quite a common sight on that stretch of road apparently but it was definitely on the move when I met it. In fact we were talking about it when I got to the birthday party we were heading to and I mentioned that I had met it on the road on the way into town.

    I find it hard to believe that there would be another stationary van there as well though I suppose its not impossible. As you say it may have been an unmarked Gardai car.

    Is there any way of requesting more information on it ie will they tell you if it was the van or a gardai car etc etc

    Cheers

    Your case does seem very odd but I can categorically tell you they do not capture in motion. There is a whole set up procedure they have to do before they can even start capturing when they are stationary.

    So you were either caught by another van, by a photo Garda trap (Unlikely) or by a fixed camera.

    Can you throw up a link of the road in question?

    I presume the notice has your correct license plate photo on it?


  • #75
    Guisseppeth
    Registered Users Posts: 200 ✭✭Guisseppeth


    If you Google "R293, Crunaun" thats the road. I met it as it was travelling into Ballaghaderreen.

    There are definitely no fixed cameras on that road. The correct number plate is on the photo alright.

    Anyway, its in my wifes name as the car is registered to her so I'm posting it back with my details and am going to aske for more information on it to see what they say.

    Thanks for taking the time to reply. Appreciate it.


  • #76
    ironclaw
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,004 ✭✭✭ironclaw


    Guisseppeth wrote: »
    If you Google "R293, Crunaun" thats the road. I met it as it was travelling into Ballaghaderreen.

    There are definitely no fixed cameras on that road. The correct number plate is on the photo alright.

    Thats a GoSafe road alright.

    http://www.garda.ie/Controller.aspx?Page=6497

    I'd maybe request the larger photo, which you are allowed do. Is it possible you or someone else could have driven that road a few weeks before? The time between the photo and a letter can be quite long in cases.


  • #77
    DidYouSquirt?
    Closed Accounts Posts: 69 ✭✭DidYouSquirt?


    Whats the damage if caught by on of these vans?

    Was driving along about a half hour ago and not sure what speed i was doing exactly but it wasn't fast, 60kmish which is the limit (i think) and i looked out my side window and seen one of them vans with a blue and yellow strip running along the side hiding in a dark spot of the road, looked at my clock, was between 35 and 40mph. Sort of worried now, only driving little over a month :eek:


  • #78
    Guisseppeth
    Registered Users Posts: 200 ✭✭Guisseppeth


    ironclaw wrote: »
    Thats a GoSafe road alright.

    http://www.garda.ie/Controller.aspx?Page=6497

    I'd maybe request the larger photo, which you are allowed do. Is it possible you or someone else could have driven that road a few weeks before? The time between the photo and a letter can be quite long in cases.
    Cheers Ironclaw. Did all that yesterday. E-mailed them and they got back to me pretty quickly. Confirmed that it was a van and it was stationary. They only have 1 picture which they are sending on.

    We could've been driving that road a few weeks previously but the date of the "alleged offence" that was on the letter, we were definitely on that road and at that time.

    I'm still extremely confused though as I definitely met it on the road. Anyway when I get a look at the picture I might be able to find out some more info though not holding my breath!!!!


  • #79
    ironclaw
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,004 ✭✭✭ironclaw


    DidYouSquirt? wrote: »
    Whats the damage if caught by on of these vans?

    Was driving along about a half hour ago and not sure what speed i was doing exactly but it wasn't fast, 60kmish which is the limit (i think) and i looked out my side window and seen one of them vans with a blue and yellow strip running along the side hiding in a dark spot of the road, looked at my clock, was between 35 and 40mph. Sort of worried now, only driving little over a month :eek:

    2 Penalty Points and a €80 fine. You should really know this stuff if your driving. You should also have known the speed limit and stuck to it. I personally have no sympathy if someone doesn't know the speed limit of a road. If it doubt, slow down.

    Anyway, at 40mph you'd only be doing about 64km/h. Allowing for a little over reading by your speedo (Which is normal) you'll probably be ok.


  • #80
    af_thefragile
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,171 ✭✭✭af_thefragile


    Ive never seen a speeding camera in Ireland. I just once saw the camera van and it was on the road going somewhere...

    I could have bad observation skills but thankfully i have never got a speeding ticket...


  • #81
    DidYouSquirt?
    Closed Accounts Posts: 69 ✭✭DidYouSquirt?


    ironclaw wrote: »
    2 Penalty Points and a €80 fine. You should really know this stuff if your driving. You should also have known the speed limit and stuck to it. I personally have no sympathy if someone doesn't know the speed limit of a road. If it doubt, slow down.

    Anyway, at 40mph you'd only be doing about 64km/h. Allowing for a little over reading by your speedo (Which is normal) you'll probably be ok.

    I don't intend to speed seeking out that information never crossed my mind tbh. I'm am more than sure the limit was 60km would but have to drive the road again to clarity. What happens if you're overtaking a cyclist/obstacle and one of these vans snaps you? :confused:


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  • #82
    ironclaw
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,004 ✭✭✭ironclaw


    DidYouSquirt? wrote: »
    I don't intend to speed seeking out that information never crossed my mind tbh. I'm am more than sure the limit was 60km would but have to drive the road again to clarity. What happens if you're overtaking a cyclist/obstacle and one of these vans snaps you? :confused:

    If you break the speed limit then of course your speeding and therefore face the penalty. Overtaking doesn't mean you can speed. You must always maintain a speed at or below the posted limit. Thats simple stuff.

    By the way, all the above is in the rules of the road, so with respect you should know it.


  • #83
    xclw
    Registered Users Posts: 348 ✭✭xclw


    would the guards be out checking speed at like 2am on a Friday night/Saturday morning, cos i was going over the speed a bit and drove past a house with a car parked with coloured lights, wasn't a garda car but the lights were kinda blue in it, only asking cos i'm kinda worried now if it was someone checking for speed..


  • #84
    LeinsterDub
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,229 ✭✭✭LeinsterDub


    I would suggest waze as a good alternative to trapster. The information is more real time


  • #85
    EricM
    Registered Users Posts: 233 ✭✭EricM


    xclw wrote: »
    would the guards be out checking speed at like 2am on a Friday night/Saturday morning, cos i was going over the speed a bit and drove past a house with a car parked with coloured lights, wasn't a garda car but the lights were kinda blue in it, only asking cos i'm kinda worried now if it was someone checking for speed..

    The guards caught me speeding twice and each time they stopped my car and asked for my name/license etc..
    I don't think the guards send out photo tickets, thats a private company that do that and they would not have colored lights on their car as they have no authority to stop you.

    What you saw was probably a doctor car, they look like garda cars in the dark or from far away, I have mistaken them for garda cars a few times myself.


  • #86
    xclw
    Registered Users Posts: 348 ✭✭xclw


    EricM wrote: »
    The guards caught me speeding twice and each time they stopped my car and asked for my name/license etc..
    I don't think the guards send out photo tickets, thats a private company that do that and they would not have colored lights on their car as they have no authority to stop you.

    What you saw was probably a doctor car, they look like garda cars in the dark or from far away, I have mistaken them for garda cars a few times myself.

    phew! thanks! hopefully that's what it was :)


  • #87
    ironclaw
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,004 ✭✭✭ironclaw


    EricM wrote: »
    I don't think the guards send out photo tickets, thats a private company that do that and they would not have colored lights on their car as they have no authority to stop you.

    They can. In two ways:
    • Garda Speed Van
    • Garda Mobile Speed Trap

    The second one is very rare. And only is done in day light by Lidar. To stress, its VERY rare for a mobile garda speed trap to issue a photo ticket. They generally stop people.

    But to answer the question, you probably saw a Doctor car or boy racer with blue lights.


  • #88
    macadam
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,684 ✭✭✭macadam


    If your not speeding but on the phone and no seat belt, can these speed vans detect this?
    Do they have to flash when they detect something like above?


  • #89
    ironclaw
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,004 ✭✭✭ironclaw


    macadam wrote: »
    If your not speeding but on the phone and no seat belt, can these speed vans detect this?
    Do they have to flash when they detect something like above?

    Anecdotally, I've heard Garda vans (And Garda vans only could have the authority to do this) have done people for bus lane usage and seat belt non-compliance.


  • #90
    Guisseppeth
    Registered Users Posts: 200 ✭✭Guisseppeth


    Finally got to the bottom of it a week or so ago. When we received the full picture our car was travelling in the opposite direction to the way I was driving. More confusion ensued until a few hours later we remembered that my wife was driving on that road about 10 minutes before I was!!! So they were actually her points. Tried to get the Garda to reissue the notice in her name but they said it wasn't possible as it had been reissued once to me so now I have let it expire, get the summons and go to court to explain to the judge. Such a waste of time and money when we were willing to pay up as soon as we realised. Bureaucracy eh???


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  • #91
    parttimer12
    Registered Users Posts: 2 ✭parttimer12


    Hi Guys,
    I have a quick one for you - can a speed camera catch you from behind another car ?

    The reason I ask is that I was driving home today and there was a unmarked van with a speed camera parked on the side of the road (southern cross road near Bray). There were 2 cars in front of me but I could see the van so clearly I was probably 150m away. Obviously he could see me if I could see him! There was a flash while the 3 of us were still driving towards him. Can I assume the first car got caught or could the camera being pointing further upstream. As I drove right by him there was no flash (i.e the flash happened when I was 150 m away)... Just curious if anyone else has been in this situation. cheers


  • #92
    ironclaw
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,004 ✭✭✭ironclaw


    parttimer12 wrote: »
    Hi Guys,
    I have a quick one for you - can a speed camera catch you from behind another car ?

    The reason I ask is that I was driving home today and there was a unmarked van with a speed camera parked on the side of the road (southern cross road near Bray). There were 2 cars in front of me but I could see the van so clearly I was probably 150m away. Obviously he could see me if I could see him! There was a flash while the 3 of us were still driving towards him. Can I assume the first car got caught or could the camera being pointing further upstream. As I drove right by him there was no flash (i.e the flash happened when I was 150 m away)... Just curious if anyone else has been in this situation. cheers

    Thats a Garda van. Hasn't been there as often as it used.

    As in the first post, it flashes the car directly in front of the camera (As in immediately in front of it, not 100m down the road) at the rear doors (Be that a car going towards or away) hey are fast enough however to take a sequence of photos as each car passes if they are all speeding.

    If you had a clear view of the van, and if the car in front of you had past the van, and it didn't flash, your more than likely safe.

    Actually re-read your post, if you were 150m away, saw a flash at that distance, with a car in front of you, you are more than safe. In fact being 150m away is more than safe regardless.

    Common sense people! :)


  • #93
    opti0nal
    Closed Accounts Posts: 892 ✭✭✭opti0nal


    Driving M1 southbound today, as usual, piles of cars are breaking the 80kph limit, not just the usual yellow plates but locals too.

    Got passed by a Jetta, who's doing well over 80, when he pulls over hits the brakes...unmarked silver van on hard shoulder under the M50 interchange.

    What do you think? Did he get caught?


  • #94
    parttimer12
    Registered Users Posts: 2 ✭parttimer12


    Thanks Ironclaw.... I think it was more the paranoia that was affecting my common sense!


  • #95
    thelionspet
    Registered Users Posts: 19 ✭thelionspet


    Thank you so much for taking the time to put together such an informative piece. Absolutely brilliant!

    Just to clarify...

    I was never sure before... you actually have to PASS the van over the speed limit to be nabbed.

    I was unsure of how far approaching them you can be caught, at say a couple of kms over the limit..

    Thanks again...!


  • #96
    cara11
    Registered Users Posts: 13 ✭cara11


    Hi,

    just stumbled upon this (very interesting). I was actually searching for an answer to my question but could not find a similar case.

    I was driving along today and seen about 5 cars coming on flashing a warning so I was aware the Van would be up the road and it was in the spot where it usually sits. The position of the van is usually in an 80 kmh zone and the sign for the 60 kmh zone is about 30 or 40 meters further down. I was doing about 65 or 70 passing the van as I was in the process of slowing down for the 60 sign. (the rear of the van was facing the direction I was coming from, I could not see a flash but it was bright, so there might not have been one). I always slow down there but I don't see the reason why I should be doing 60 km in an 80 km zone just because the van is there. My question is: if I was doing 60 km passing the 60 kmh sign but between 65 and 70 when passing the van - would I get a letter?

    I hope not, but it is annoying me and spoils my weekend slightly:confused:. Why are they sitting before the sign? Or why don't they move the sign if they are using this position often?

    I hope someone here can shed some light...


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  • #97
    Galwayguy35
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 16,669 ✭✭✭✭Galwayguy35


    cara11 wrote: »
    Hi,

    just stumbled upon this (very interesting). I was actually searching for an answer to my question but could not find a similar case.

    I was driving along today and seen about 5 cars coming on flashing a warning so I was aware the Van would be up the road and it was in the spot where it usually sits. The position of the van is usually in an 80 kmh zone and the sign for the 60 kmh zone is about 30 or 40 meters further down. I was doing about 65 or 70 passing the van as I was in the process of slowing down for the 60 sign. (the rear of the van was facing the direction I was coming from, I could not see a flash but it was bright, so there might not have been one). I always slow down there but I don't see the reason why I should be doing 60 km in an 80 km zone just because the van is there. My question is: if I was doing 60 km passing the 60 kmh sign but between 65 and 70 when passing the van - would I get a letter?

    I hope not, but it is annoying me and spoils my weekend slightly:confused:. Why are they sitting before the sign? Or why don't they move the sign if they are using this position often?

    I hope someone here can shed some light...

    Don't see why you would get caught as from what you say the van was in the 80km section of road. There is always a van parked on the 80km section just before it comes down to 50km as I am going to work and I always pass it at 80km and never got caught so you have nothing to worry about.


  • #98
    cara11
    Registered Users Posts: 13 ✭cara11


    Thanks Galwayguy,

    now I can sleep tonight:). I just find it stupid that they are sitting THERE. Thanks, hope I don't get nasty post ;)

    have a nice weekend...


  • #99
    Galwayguy35
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 16,669 ✭✭✭✭Galwayguy35


    cara11 wrote: »
    Thanks Galwayguy,

    now I can sleep tonight:). I just find it stupid that they are sitting THERE. Thanks, hope I don't get nasty post ;)

    have a nice weekend...

    Same to you.


  • #100
    ProudDUB
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,569 ✭✭✭✭ProudDUB


    How does the points on your record thing work if you get one of these speeding tickets in the post?

    I do not live here year around. When I am driving here, I do so on my US drivers license. Last month, I bought a car to use when I am here, as I was getting killed financially renting cars. The registration documents and the car insurance are in my name and Irish address. I also went into the motor tax office last week, and paid the motor tax on the car, again with my Irish name and address. They didn't ask to see my DL. The only party who has my drivers license deets are my insurance company.

    So if I get nabbed by a speed van/camera, they know where to post the fine too, but how do they attach points to my driving record when no official govt agency knows who I am exactly?

    Am not planing on doing any dangerous or speedy driving. I am just curious as to how it works.


  • #101
    NIMAN
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 33,986 ✭✭✭✭NIMAN


    Couple of questions:

    1) Can the van get you as you drive away from it? i.e. if its facing down a road, I assume its aimed at the cars coming towards it? Is it trained on cars in the other lane driving away from it?

    2) Why are all the vans in my local area in the exact same spots? They are never more than a few metres difference when they set up. We all know now where they might be and so its clear when you need to slow down. After that you can speed up. Seems silly as I live on a main road, rural area. Cars pass my house at times doing in my estimation 80mph or 90mph, yet there won't ever be a speed camera on that road. Whats the point if you know where they will always be?


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