The new static speed camera on N25 has proved extremely controversial since its implementation. The N25 is widely regarded as one of the most dangerous national roads in the Country. The static speed camera came into operation near Glenmore in May last year, as the allowable speed was reduced from 100km to 80km.
This change was accompanied by large, lit up road signs. These signs have since be removed, although there are standard signs announcing the speed limit and the static camera.
Reports suggest that Gardaí revoked more than 900 fines in the camera’s first month of operation due to a human error in the processing.
Many motorists have been vocal in their protests against the camera, saying that it is unfair and poorly signposted, while others have no sympathy for those caught speeding as they say the signs are clearly visible.
Waterford Council’s Director of Services for Transport, Gabriel Hynes, aligned with the latter of these views when he said “I think speed limits are there for a reason and drivers have to be conscious of the speed limit and drive within that speed limit.
I don’t have any comfort to give to people who are caught speeding because it is a safety issue. People need to be aware of the speed limits and drive within those speed limits.”
Director Hynes was speaking at the latest Plenary meeting for Waterford Council, as he replied to Fine Gael’s, Niamh O’Donovan, who said motorists were being subjected to “a real injustice” due to the lack of appropriate signage.
“That camera on the N25 in Kilkenny, I think a lot of our citizens are getting hit hard by the lack of signage, the lack of awareness. When you are in a big wide open road going form 100km straight into 80 and that camera is there catching our people coming back to Waterford from Wexford.
“I just think there is a real injustice there with a lack of signage”
AARON KENT
Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme
