Controversy: Gardaí to introduce red-light cameras

GARDAÍ are considering the introduction of controversial red-light cameras to catch motorists who break the lights at the country's most dangerous traffic junctions. The proposal is likely to face stiff opposition as some studies have shown the cameras cause more accidents than they stop.

The red-light cameras would be mounted on high-visibility poles at junctions where poor driver behaviour has been repeatedly observed.

The Department of Justice said the garda's focus would remain on speeding. They said: "Their [the garda's] current priority is the use of camera technology for speed enforcement. [However] they are currently considering the introduction, in cooperation with the relevant authorities, of cameras at various locations in the Dublin area, where failure to observe traffic lights... is a significant issue."

Anecdotal evidence from Dublin City Council's network of traffic cameras shows there is widespread breaking of red lights across the city and its suburbs. The current cameras cannot be used for enforcement but will be analysed to determine high-risk locations.

A study last year found that rather than improving motorist safety, red-light cameras lead to an increase in crashes. The report by the University of South Florida said: "They increase crashes and injuries as drivers attempt to abruptly stop at camera intersections." Another report from the US House of Representatives said the cameras were a "hidden tax levied on motor­ists." It concluded they resulted in more crashes and there was a temptation to set orange lights to change too quickly to enhance revenue.

AA Roadwatch's Conor Faughnan said: "I have heard the argument about red-light cameras... that they may increase accidents, but I have yet to see any hard evidence of that.These cameras do their job best when they are not catching anybody and are simply causing people to drive more safely..."