Two static cameras account for 70% of fines
Summary
Labour TD George Lawler and driving instructor Jimmy Cleary discuss the disproportionate number of fines issued by two static speed cameras in Kilkenny and Carlow, which account for 70% of national static camera penalties. Lawler argues that inadequate signage and the camera’s proximity to the speed limit sign trap drivers who are actively decelerating from 100 to 80 km/h, resulting in many losing their licenses.
Topics discussed
Intro: Two cameras account for 70% of static fines
TD George Lawler: Constituent concerns and camera locations
Fine statistics: Glenmore vs Carlow volumes
The signage issue: Inadequate warnings for speed change
Council response: New signs added in May
Debate: Is 400m enough distance to slow down?
Drivers caught within seconds of entering 80 zone
License loss: Drivers accumulating penalty points
Host question: How are drivers caught multiple times?
Explanation: Deceleration phase captured by camera
Volume of complaints and unblemished licenses affected
Comparison: Fine counts vs other cameras nationwide
Brief transition
Carlow Council claims 99% compliance and clear signage
TD response: Contradiction and missed traffic calming
Call for improved signage and introduction of driving instructor
Instructor Jimmy Cleary: Physics of slowing down
Driving mechanics: Gears and deceleration time
Roundabout analogy and gear selection
Instructor challenges the 'two seconds' claim
Debate: Feasibility of speeding at 120-140km/h
Clarifying distances: 400m vs 250m signs
TD reiteration: Camera captures drivers while slowing
Host confusion: Which distance is correct?
Instructor reaction: Signage inconsistency is crazy
Final clarification on sign placement and capture
Closing remarks and thanks to guests
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