Hi-tech cameras will punish the Luas red light jumpers

IRELAND’S first automated red light camera system will see drivers picking up a mandatory three penalty points for breaking the red light at the junction of Blackhall Place and the Luas Red Line in Dublin 7.

The new system was launched last week by Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Paschal Donohoe, and it’s directly linked to An Garda Siochána’s computerised PULSE system.

That means the process of issuing fixed charge notices for breaking red lights will now be fully automated. Drivers who break the lights will incur a

?¬120 fine as well as the penalty points. The technology may also be applied to other junctions in Dublin where motorists breaking red lights is problematic.

Gardai, the National Transport Authority (NTA), the Railway Procurement Agency, the Department of Justice and Dublin City Council worked together to develop, install and extensively test the new system.

The system captures images of motorists breaking red lights, their licence plate numbers and other data allowing Gardai to easily pursue offenders.

Minister Donohoe said the junction at Blackhall Place had recorded one of the highest numbers of road traffic collisions to date.

“This has been endangering those who not only use the Luas, but also other vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and passers-by,

? he continued.

“The ability now for An Garda Siochána to monitor the situation and automatically issue penalty points for offences will act as a strong deterrent for reckless drivers, while helping to minimise the number of collisions in this part of the city.

?

Chief Superintendent, Aidan Reid, said drivers who take chances by breaking red traffic signals put themselves and others at huge risk.

“This initiative will assist us in enforcing road traffic legislation while improving the safety of all those using the road,

? he added.

Anne Graham of the National Transport Authority said all the agencies involved in the system worked well together to bring about the new, safety-focussed technology.

“It is our sincere hope that we will see an immediate reduction in the numbers of drivers breaching the red lights here at this important junction in the city,

? she added.

Rory O’Connor, Acting CEO of the Railway Procurement Agency, also welcomed the launch.

“Luas remains an extremely safe system, however with increased traffic in Dublin we have seen an increase in road traffic collisions and we know that over half of these incidents are due to motorists breaking red lights at Luas junctions,

? he said.

“Luas safety is our highest priority and we welcome this innovative new driving offence enforcement.

?

Brendan O’Brien of Dublin City Council said the initiative would make an important contribution to road safety in the city.

“The council, and all of the agencies involved, are confident that it will also result in a reduction in traffic incidents at this location,

? he added.