Speed cameras to be installed in Port Tunnel

SPEED CAMERAS will be installed in Dublin’s Port Tunnel in a joint project by the National Roads Authority (NRA) and gardaí.

The decision to install the cameras was taken after NRA monitoring equipment and YouTube videos showed drivers ignoring the 80km/h limit in the 4.5km-long tunnel. There is also concern that the tunnel attracts illegal racing.

The absence of speed cameras has been noted on videos posted on YouTube, one of which shows a car entering and exiting the tunnel in two minutes. At the legal speed it should take around six minutes. The cameras will be purchased and installed by the NRA following discussions with gardaí, and there will be at least one camera for each lane in both tunnels.

NRA spokesman, Sean O’Neill, said the decision was taken as the extent of speeding in the tunnel became apparent.

All categories of vehicles have been observed speeding, the NRA said. While the existing cameras in the tunnel give an indication of a vehicle’s speed, they cannot be used to prosecute a motorist.

“We have watched people’s behaviour for over a year and we are hoping now the word will get out that there are cameras in the tunnel, and that will deter speeding,” said Mr O’Neill.

“We have markers at set points – we know how long it takes to get from A to B, and if someone is speeding,” said Mr O’Neill.

Head of the Garda Traffic Corps assistant commissioner, Eddie Rock, said the system would be similar to that used on the M50 – where speed cameras have been installed to enforce temporary speed limits.

“We will download the information from [the NRA] and issue charges as required,” said Mr Rock.

The NRA and gardaí hope to have the cameras in place by the end of the year.