Dublin City Council has announced the installation of automatic red-light cameras at key junctions across the city to catch drivers breaking traffic rules. This initiative, set to roll out early this year, aims to enhance road safety and reduce traffic violations. The cameras will use Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology to identify offenders and issue fines automatically. This move follows a successful pilot project at Blackhall Place, which demonstrated the effectiveness of such systems in monitoring and enforcing traffic regulations.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has confirmed that these cameras will be installed at the busiest junctions and along bus lanes within the first half of 2025. There are also plans to extend this initiative to other cities, including Cork, Limerick, and Galway, by the end of the year. The cameras will not only catch motorists running red lights but also those blocking yellow boxes or illegally using bus lanes.
In contrast to this technological advancement, a new Garda policy on car chases has come under fire. The Garda Representative Association (GRA) has criticised the policy, describing it as “unworkable” and claiming it gives free rein to drivers who refuse to stop. The policy, which instructs Gardaí to abandon pursuits in many instances, has led to concerns about public safety and the ability of law enforcement to effectively manage dangerous driving situations.
The GRA has highlighted several cases where Gardaí did not pursue fleeing vehicles, raising fears that this could embolden reckless drivers and lead to more dangerous incidents on the roads. The association argues that the strict rules are causing officers to hesitate, fearing disciplinary action or prosecution if something goes wrong during a chase.
This new policy has sparked a debate about the balance between ensuring public safety and protecting Gardaí from potential legal repercussions. Critics argue that while the intention behind the policy is to minimise risks during high-speed chases, it may inadvertently encourage more drivers to evade law enforcement.
As Dublin moves forward with the installation of red-light cameras, the city hopes to see a significant reduction in traffic violations and an improvement in road safety. However, the controversy surrounding the Garda pursuit policy highlights the challenges faced by law enforcement in maintaining public safety while navigating complex legal and operational constraints.
