*Speeding offences on the increase
THE number of Limerick motorists caught speeding has increased since the beginning of the year, thanks to the introduction of new speed detection technology available to local Gardai.
Statistics show that the number hit nationally with speeding fines rose from between 11,000-12,000 in January and February, to 35,000-36,000 in March and April.
Detection remained twice as high in May, with 21,000 drivers receiving fixed fines and penalty points for driving over the speed limit.
This new rate of apprehension has come with the assistance of the new Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) system, which allows Gardai to monitor and record road users speed while on patrol, or stationery at a checkpoint.
The primary purpose of the technology is to detect untaxed and uninsured vehicles, but the speed detection facility has proven to be a successful benefit to the Traffic Corps, according to Henry Street station.
This new device was demonstrated to the Limerick Post by Sergeant Peter Kelly of Henry Street, who said, “this technology will not revolutionise our jobs but it will be a massive assistance to us and help focus on maintaining road safety”.
There are 53 speed detection zones in Limerick city and county, and the ANPR system now allows Gardai to cover each zone more comprehensively.
Each vehicle’s ANPR device has been calibrated to match the speedometer of the vehicle, and the ANPR camera operates as a speed gun.
If a motorist queries the Garda’s speeding allegation, there is a portable device in the traffic corps vehicle which is connected to the ANPR system and will provide the motorist with a reading of their speed.
The Gardai have also identified 19 collision prone zones in Limerick city and county, with the most dangerous roads being the Adare to Rathkeale road, the Ballyfraley to Barna road and the Devon Rd to Fealesbridge route. Six people have been killed on these roads, as well as scores of serious injuries.
Although there were no fatalities on Limerick roads over the bank-holiday weekend, there have been a number tragedies in recent weeks.
Last week, much-loved Ballingarry couple Maurice( aged 61), and his wife Margaret, (58), were killed on Ballingarry to Askeaton Road.
In the previous week, Dromcollogher man, Nigel Bucke, aged 29, died later in hospital after the car in which he was travelling with his three young children, collided with a truck on the Condell Road..
Ballynanty man, Ray Stack, (61), also tragically lost his life in a collision in Co Clare, while returning home from a holiday with his wife and grandson.
Sergeant Kelly commented on the ongoing battle to maintain road safety in Limerick. “Every fatality on Limerick roads affects all of our crew because we are responsible for road safety and we have to look at each accident and see what we could have done to prevent it”.
