Sir, - Recently I attended the funerals of four friends who were killed in a car accident on the Cork road. Like the families and friends in Dunderrow and Kinsale who knew these lads, I am devastated by this needless tragedy. We will lose more young people if speed cameras are not in place on main routes throughout Ireland.
As I am originally from Antrim, I am familiar with speed cameras in Northern Ireland. Recently I drove up to the North (admittedly I sped up along the main route until I reached the Border). In Northern Ireland speed cameras are like garda∅ on road surveillance 24 hours a day. And it works. The moment I crossed the Border, I dropped my speed down to the limit because I knew I would pay a hefty fine if I were caught. The cameras do catch people.
All the disturbing television adverts and road signs pertaining to the dangers of speeding do nothing to actually deter drivers from taking risks. It is time to put this money into action. Speed cameras will preserve life. The loss of my four friends will keep me from speeding again, but it is a horrible way to learn this lesson. - Yours, etc.,
Jason Boyd, Jagoes Mills, Kinsale, Co Cork.