DRIVERS using the M7 motorway between Nenagh and Limerick are being warned that a new speed camera will go live next week.
The mainline Motorway Average Speed Safety Camera system will operate between Nenagh and Birdhill (Junction 26 and Junction 27) in both directions from 7am next Monday, April 25.
This is the first time a speed camera will be deployed on an Irish motorway.
The camera system has been in place for over a year with warning signs for motorists but it has been operating on a pilot basis and no prosecutions have been issued.
During the Pilot scheme compliance levels have been monitored.
Prior to the installation of the Motorway Average Speed Safety Camera system compliance with the 120km/h motorway speed limit was below 70 per cent. During the periods of the testing/ pilot scheme compliance levels have risen, but remain below 90 per cent.
A spokesperson for An Garda Síochána said the location experienced “increased collision frequency” due to frequent “weather-related/micro-climate events”, usually in the form of hail showers.
“Analysis of traffic data by Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) shows that speeding is typical of driver behaviour on low traffic volume sections of the motorway network throughout the country. This type of driver behaviour is very dangerous, and it is compounded during rain or hail showers, increasing the potential of serious accidents.
“The data identified that speeds are not being appropriately moderated in response to adverse weather conditions such as heavy rain or low road temperatures,” added the spokesperson.
Speeding drivers stand to lose €80 in fines and gain three penalty points.
