Average speed zone cameras are being installed on a stretch of the M7 motorway in Co Tipperary.
Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), the Roads Safety Authority and An Garda Síochána have announced the installation of the new speed safety cameras between Junction 26 - Nenagh (West) and Junction 27 - Birdhill, covering both directions.
It will be Ireland's first mainline motorway-based system.
The installation of equipment at the M7 sites got under way yesterday and will be followed by a period of testing and commissioning.
At the M7 locations, motorists will soon see the roadside equipment being deployed for the camera system. This will include the yellow poles and cameras traditionally associated with speed measurement equipment.
Prior to the commencement of any operations, the average speed zone will be clearly identified by appropriate signs and Variable Message Signs (VMS) will be used to inform motorists of the go-live date along with press briefings.
An identical system has been operational within the Dublin Port Tunnel since mid-2017 and gardaí say it has been successful in improving driver behaviour with the number of drivers exceeding the speed limit of 80km/h dropping from about 55% to just over 10%.
TII has analysed speed data on the M7 corridor since 2017 and identified speeding as a significant issue with around 40% of drivers exceeding the 120km/h speed limit on certain sections.
Garda Superintendent Tom Murphy said: "This system will save lives and make our roads safer. An Garda Síochána are delighted to work with TII and RSA to implement this project."
