“It’s silencing legitimate concerns" - Mayo motorists speak out over faulty speed van charges

Motorists on the N17 in Mayo are raising concerns about being wrongly penalised by a static speed camera, after dash cam footage suggests the device may have incorrectly recorded speeds. The issue was highlighted on The Tommy Marren Show on Mid West Radio this morning, prompting calls for a more transparent and fair system for drivers.

Currently, legislation provides little recourse for those who feel they have been unfairly fined. Drivers wishing to contest a penalty must go to court, which can result in additional fines and penalty points. Callers felt the current system silences individuals who really feel that they have been treated unfairly.

One driver, who passed the camera while travelling between 98 and 100 km/h, was issued a fine for 104 km/h: “There is no ability to show the dash cam footage unless you go to court,” said a representative speaking on the show. “It’s silencing legitimate concerns about these fines. We’ve requested calibration records for the camera, but the office has declined, citing no legislative obligation.”

The representative also suggested a graded fine system should be introduced, similar to the discretion exercised by Gardaí in the past. Currently, motorists caught only slightly above the speed limit are hit with full fines of €160 and three penalty points, despite the minor nature of the infraction. “Traditionally, fines were issued by a guard who would often exercise discretion for minor speed breaches. There should be recognition that not all infractions are equal,” they explained.

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Dash cam footage is increasingly accepted as valid evidence in road safety investigations, and campaigners argue it should be recognised in cases involving speed cameras. “If a driver can prove with dash cam footage that the static camera recorded incorrectly, they should have a chance to present it without risking further penalties,” the spokesperson said.

Meanwhile, improvements to the N17 are underway, with additional right-turn lanes, road closures, and junction reconfigurations scheduled over the next four to six weeks.

While these upgrades are welcomed, the debate over static speed camera accuracy continues.