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Speed cameras in Ireland - a guide

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Comments

  • Registered Users Posts: 3,884 ✭✭✭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)


  • Registered Users Posts: 10,117 ✭✭✭✭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.


  • Registered Users Posts: 3,668 ✭✭✭eringobragh


    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:


  • Registered Users Posts: 9,222 ✭✭✭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


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


    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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  • Registered Users Posts: 10,117 ✭✭✭✭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!


  • Registered Users Posts: 19,106 ✭✭✭✭TestTransmission


    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


  • Registered Users Posts: 10,117 ✭✭✭✭Jimmy Bottlehead


    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 :)


  • Registered Users 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>


  • 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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  • Registered Users Posts: 8,004 ✭✭✭ironclaw


    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.


  • 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


  • Registered Users Posts: 8,004 ✭✭✭ironclaw


    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?


  • 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.


  • Registered Users Posts: 8,004 ✭✭✭ironclaw


    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.


  • 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:


  • 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!!!!


  • Registered Users Posts: 8,004 ✭✭✭ironclaw


    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.


  • Registered Users 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...


  • 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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  • Registered Users Posts: 8,004 ✭✭✭ironclaw


    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.


  • 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..


  • Registered Users Posts: 8,229 ✭✭✭LeinsterDub


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


  • 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.


  • 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 :)


  • Registered Users 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.


  • Registered Users 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?


  • Registered Users 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.


  • 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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  • 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


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