Skip to main content

Dublin Tunnel gets average speed enforcement

Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) is working with the4 Irish police force, An Garda Síochána, on the installation of Ireland’s first average speed camera enforcement system, which will be deployed in the Dublin Port Tunnel. Opened in 2006, the 4.5 km tunnel forms part of the M50 C-Ring road around Dublin City. Traffic levels through the tunnel have increased by 40 per cent over the last five years and as a result there is statistically, an increase in the potential for collisions and accidents.
June 13, 2016 Read time: 3 mins
Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) is working with the4 Irish police force, An Garda Síochána, on the installation of Ireland’s first average speed camera enforcement system, which will be deployed in the Dublin Port Tunnel.

Opened in 2006, the 4.5 km tunnel forms part of the M50 C-Ring road around Dublin City.  Traffic levels through the tunnel have increased by 40 per cent over the last five years and as a result there is statistically, an increase in the potential for collisions and accidents.  

Average speed camera enforcement systems look to mitigate this potential because statistics show that there is typically a 50 per cent reduction in the collision rate once in operation.

The average speed camera enforcement system monitors a driver’s average speed while driving through the Dublin Port Tunnel and if a driver is above the 80 km/h speed limit the driver will be in violation and enforcement penalties will apply.

When the average speed camera enforcement system determines that a vehicle has exceeded the speed limit, it will automatically create a record of the violation which will then be transmitted to An Garda Síochána for their action. The enforcement procedure will mirror the existing procedures  developed by An Garda Síochána for automated processing of Road Traffic Offences that incur fixed charges and if applicable penalty points.

Large yellow poles will support the average speed camera enforcement system and testing will commence once the cameras are mounted. Upon completion of system testing it is anticipated that the system will go live later this year.

Average speed is recorded between two camera positions covering all lanes therefore switching lanes will have no effect on average speed monitoring.  The system will not have flashing lights or other operational indications, but it will be monitoring at all times.

Chief Superintendent Aidan Reid, Garda National Traffic Bureau said, “We welcome this enhancement to the operations of the Dublin Port Tunnel.  Due to an increase in traffic travelling through Dublin Port Tunnel this new enforcement system provides additional support toward maintaining a safe travel experience for all users of the Tunnel.”

“An average speed camera enforcement system will assist in maintaining the Dublin Port Tunnel’s strong safety record, said RII CEO Michael Nolan. “ TII is grateful to An Garda Síochána for supporting us with this operational improvement.”

Related Content

  • Swedish drivers support speed cameras
    March 17, 2014
    In sharp contrast to many other countries drivers in Sweden support speed cameras and the planned expansion of the automated enforcement network. Sweden is embarking on a massive expansion of its speed camera network and is doing so with both a very high level of public acceptance and without its drivers feeling persecuted; a feat the administrations in many other countries would like to emulate. So how did this envious state of affairs come about? Magnus Ferlander director of business development and ma
  • Project EDWARD: European Day Without A Road Death
    August 31, 2016
    The first European Day Without A Road Death (Project EDWARD) is taking place across Europe on Wednesday 21 September. Devised by the European Traffic Police Network (TISPOL), the initiative aims to draw attention to the average of 70 deaths occurring every day on the roads of Europe. Project EDWARD has the support of European Transport Commissioner Violeta Bulc, the European Commission, the European Transport Safety Council and traffic police forces from across TISPOL’s 30 member countries.
  • Moxa provides clear vision for Caldecott Tunnel’s Fourth Bore
    September 15, 2014
    Caldecott Tunnel’s new Fourth Bore is utilising a bespoke high-capacity monitoring and communications network from Moxa. The Caldecott Tunnel connects Contra Costa and Alameda counties in Northern California and traditionally it has suffered severe congestion - especially during peak hours. Opened in 1937 as a twin-bore arrangement, by 1964 the increase in traffic volumes led to a third bore being added. Shortly after the third bore was opened a tidal flow was introduced with the centre bore alternating in
  • Maturing photo enforcement gains legal status, public support
    August 2, 2012
    In the US, affirmation of the photo traffic enforcement sector's legal status and rising public support were significant aspects of 2009. James Tuton, President and CEO of American Traffic Solutions, looks back over the year. In 2009, the photo traffic enforcement industry in North America continued to grow and mature, accompanied by increased public, legislative and legal scrutiny. While public support remains strong, we also saw increased attempts to undermine the industry by representatives of a small bu