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.

The fines, which range from €40 to €150, are imposed for various parking violations. Parking in a disabled spot incurs a €150 fine, while parking on footpaths, cycle tracks, or bus lanes costs €80. Failing to display a correct tax disc results in a €60 fine, and not having a valid pay-and-display ticket costs €40.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many councils had relaxed parking enforcement and some traffic wardens were reassigned to assist the Health Service Executive (HSE). However, with the easing of pandemic restrictions, councils have increased the number of traffic wardens, leading to a surge in parking fines.

Among Ireland’s 31 local councils, 23 reported an increase in parking fines. Galway City Council, Cork City Council, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, Waterford City and County Council, Kerry County Council, and Westmeath County Council recorded the highest number of fines per 100,000 people.

Galway City Council, which now employs 11 traffic wardens with one more joining soon, issued 36,645 parking fines last year, up from 30,517 in 2022. Cork City Council issued 49,511 fines, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown issued 29,845, Kerry County Council issued 17,674, and Westmeath County Council issued 7,424 fines. With a population of just over 96,000, Westmeath had one of the highest rates of parking fines.

Donegal County Council and Dublin City Council also saw significant increases in fines. In Donegal, the number of fines more than doubled, with 10,018 fines issued last year compared to 4,892 in 2022.

The increase in traffic wardens and subsequent rise in parking fines have generated millions of euros in revenue for local councils, highlighting the impact of stricter parking enforcement across the country.