Concerns over driver behaviour at average speed camera locations

Even before Meath's first average speed safety camera has been installed on the N2 near Slane, concerns have been raised about driver behaviour in other areas including the N3 in Cavan where they are already in operation.

Earlier this year, An Garda Siochana announced three areas where they intended to install average speed safety cameras in response to high incidents of collisions - including the N2 in Slane. The other two locations are the N3 in Cavan between Kilduff and Billis, and the N5 at Swinford both of which are already installed. These cameras are different in that they measure speed over a distance rather than passing a static point.

The third camera on N2 was due to be in operation by the end of the year but Gardai have not yet given an update on when it is expected to be operational or if it will run into the new year at this stage.

The exact locations of the Slane cameras on the N2 have not yet been announced.

Last week, issues around the location of the average speed cameras and also driver behaviour were raised at a Cavan Co Council meeting. The need for improvement works at junctions was also discussed.

Cllr Brendan Fay felt the cameras on the N3 needed to be closer to the Belturbet roundabout and said while the installation of the speed cameras was “welcome”, he felt they had failed to alleviate concerns over traffic navigating junctions along the road. He commented that while speed is reduced on one section, it’s increased on others.

“I have seen it myself where drivers coming from Cavan spot that second camera and then the foot goes to the floor and away they go again,” said Cllr Fay and asked if those cameras could be moved down closer to the Belturbet roundabout.

Another councillor John Paul Feeley (FF) agreed that speed on the section between the two cameras has reduced.

“But now you have people tailgating to try and avoid the camera getting their number plate and then, when people get to the other end, they think they are on the runway at an airport and they take off at speed to make up for time they think they have lost during the drive between the cameras,” he added.

Cllr Damien Brady (SF) added: “Anything that can improve road safety is welcome. As a firefighter I have been at the scene of some very serious accidents at the junctions along the N3. I don’t understand why the issues around the dangerous junctions weren’t addressed before the cameras were put in place.”