HELPDESK: Michael McAleeranswering all your motoring queries.
From Donal Smyth, Co Cork: When are the privatised speed cameras coming into force? I've read about them a few years ago, then last year, and you recently had articles about them. Are they ever coming, are they here and I simply missed it, or are they just another much-hyped project that will never see the light of day?
My colleague, David Labanyi, replies: The latest update from the Department of Justice is that negotiations are due to start shortly with their preferred bidder, the Go Safe consortium.
This has been the Government position since February when an apparent row over funding appeared to be resolved with the following statement from the Department: "The Government confirmed that it will be proceeding with the outsourcing of a countrywide safety camera network, in line with the Road Safety Strategy. The tender process is at a very advanced stage, and it is expected that contract negotiations with the preferred bidder will commence shortly."
In the time since, matters do not appear to have moved on, although it is not entirely clear why not. The secretary general of the Department of Justice, Seán Aylward, told the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport earlier this year that speed cameras were unlikely to be introduced "before the fourth quarter of 2008". Even if the negotiations with Go Safe go smoothly, given the time that has elapsed since Mr Aylward's statement, it is now unlikely testing of the equipment will commence before year-end.
Allowing a period of months for the testing and the not inconsiderable political consideration of European and local elections next summer, I would be surprised to see speed cameras peeking round every second corner before the middle of 2009.
From Barbara Delahunty, Wexford: My husband and I both drive Fiat Puntos but with a second child on the way, we need to think about something bigger. We'd like to be able to comfortably accommodate an adult in the back along with the two child seats, and still having a reasonable load space.
We won't have an adult in the back very often, but when we do, it's likely to be for a long journey so it needs to be comfortable. We don't need or want a 7-seater or SUV. I know that the Renault Scenic, Citroën Xsara Picasso and (possibly) the Ford C-Max would fit the bill, but my husband would prefer a saloon-type car. We had been thinking of a Skoda Octavia, but I'm not sure if there would be enough width in the backseat. Do you have any recommendations?
You don't mention a budget, but at a massive 1807mm, the forthcoming Skoda Superb could be ideal for your needs. It is 38mm wider than the Skoda Octavia and should give your two small occupants and the third adult enough space. This is one of the larger of the saloon cars and the new model is arriving next month. But even this cannot match the width of more purpose-built vehicles such as the Ford C-Max.
These cars are ideal for families and allow you as a parent to step into the car to put your child into the seats thanks to a higher roofline and wider door aperture. But if you do feel a saloon is more suited to your taste, then the Superb might fit the bill perfectly. Expect prices to be from around €30,000.
From Martin, Athlone: I was in Italy last year, and a week ago I got a fine in the post for a traffic offence. Can they still follow me after this length of time (i.e. one year)?
Yes, the likelihood is that they have found you guilty in absentia and the offence will remain on file.
The impact is limited as there is no co-operation between the Garda and Italian police for regular traffic offences, so you will not be subjected to an extradition hearing just yet. It may, however, impact on you if you return to Italy.
You would be advised to contact the Italian embassy and try and sort it out, for if you ever come to the attention of authorities while in Italy again then it may well be raised on your record, and could lead to more serious charges and punitive fines.
For peace of mind - and the ability to enjoy the splendours of Italy without a false beard and dark glasses - then I suggest you contact the embassy and pay any outstanding fines.