Fresh concerns have been raised over the static speed camera on the N25 at Glenmore as dozens of motorists continue to challenge fixed-charge notices linked to the site.
Around 220 summonses relating to the camera came before Kilkenny District Court on September 15th, with solicitor Martin Lawlor saying his firm now represents around 70 motorists in connection with the issue.
Mr. Lawlor, Managing Partner with Coughlan Kelly Solicitors in New Ross, told Déise Today that his clients’ cases have been adjourned until October 13th while further documentation is sought from the State.
He said they are seeking information on the consultation process behind the installation of the camera, why the particular location was chosen and how the camera is calibrated.
The Glenmore camera, alongside another static camera on the N80 in Carlow, has accounted for around 70% of fixed-camera notices nationally.
Mr. Lawlor questioned the positioning of the Glenmore camera, describing the location as being like ‘shooting fish in a barrel’.
He said motorists approach the area on a 100km/h dual carriageway before entering an 80km/h zone over the brow of a hill, and argued that the change in speed limit is not sufficiently clear to drivers.
He also raised questions over the exact point at which motorists are being detected.
According to Mr. Lawlor, fixed-charge notices contain coordinates for the location of the alleged offence, but do not clearly state how far inside the 80km/h zone the motorist was when their speed was recorded.
He said the calibration of the camera and the precise detection point are among the issues his firm wants examined.
Mr. Lawlor also highlighted cases where motorists allegedly received several notices arising from journeys made before they had been informed of the first offence.
He said some clients picked up three fixed-charge notices during November before receiving their first notification in December.
The cases involving Mr. Lawlor’s clients are due back before Kilkenny District Court on October 13th.
