New GoSafe Cameras to Automatically Fine Drivers at Irish Level Crossings
Dublin: The Irish government is introducing GoSafe automated enforcement cameras at major level crossings across the country in a bid to improve road safety and reduce dangerous driving behaviour. The new system will allow fines to be issued automatically, without the need for on-site Garda presence or inspection.
Under the new regulations:
- Speeding offences will incur a €160 fine.
- Running a red light will result in an €80 fine.
- Three penalty points will be added to the offender’s driving licence in both cases.
The deployment of these cameras follows rising concern over repeated safety breaches at level crossings. According to official data, 30 incidents have occurred at crossings so far this year, 11 of which resulted in injuries, and several led to infrastructure damage.
Addressing Dangerous Driving
GoSafe cameras are being installed as part of a pilot initiative to monitor and deter reckless driving, particularly speeding and signal violations at railway crossings. In previous deployments, areas equipped with GoSafe technology showed notable improvements in driver compliance, with 98.5% of drivers adhering to traffic laws.
One particularly alarming case highlighted by authorities involved a driver recorded travelling at 152 km/h in a 50 km/h zone, underscoring the urgency for enhanced enforcement.
The pilot programme will allow for mobile and easily replaceable camera systems, enabling authorities to rotate the cameras across different high-risk crossings as needed, based on driver behaviour and incident frequency.
Enhancing Safety for All Road Users
The move is a collaborative effort between road transport authorities and railway operators, aimed at safeguarding motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists by deterring risk-taking behaviour near rail infrastructure.
Barry Kenny, Head of Corporate Communications at Iarnród Éireann, emphasised the importance of the initiative:
“These cameras will play a critical role not only in reducing collisions but also in protecting vulnerable road users. Enhanced safety measures will also help to minimise service disruptions caused by preventable accidents.”
Kenny added that the data captured by the GoSafe cameras will also be valuable in investigating incidents and enforcing compliance more efficiently.
The initial rollout of the system will be monitored closely, with potential for broader deployment based on its effectiveness in reducing accidents and promoting safer driving practices at level crossings nationwide.
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