GARDAI are set to revoke fines and penalty points for speeding offences on the N17 in Co Mayo due to a non-certified speed camera.
Some 1,871 speeding fixed charge notices were issued between December 20, 2024, and February 12, 2025.
Gardaí and the safety camera provider GoSafe identified on February 12 that the static speed camera on the N17 near Claremorris, Co Mayo was fully functional and accurately identifying offences, but not certified.
Of the 1,871 fixed charge notices issued – 800 notices were paid and penalty points applied, 123 were paid however the error was identified prior to penalty points being applied, and of the remaining 948 notices that were issued, no payment was made prior to the error being identified, therefore no penalty points were applied.
It is standard procedure that all cameras used for speeding detection have valid calibration certificates issued by GoSafe.
The camera was certified on February 13 and has been operational since February 14.
More than 230 speeding fines issued from the speed safety camera system on the N17 since February 14 are valid.
Gardai also confirmed that all certificates of calibration for cameras used at average speed, static locations, and in safety camera vans are valid.
From now on, they will request proof of camera calibration certification when cameras are installed and/or changed, rather than at the prosecution stage.
GoSafe has also put in place measures to prevent recurrence, including weekly confirmation of the certification status of all speed safety cameras.
‘VERY MUCH REGRETTED’
Chief Superintendent Roads Policing Jane Humphries said: “This error is very much regretted.
“An Garda Síochána is committed to reducing road deaths and serious injuries through enforcement of speeding via a variety of speed safety cameras.
“The level of speeding breaches issued since the camera went operational on December 20, 2024 demonstrates the continued need for all motorists using this road to slow down.”
GoSafe also added that it is standard procedure that all cameras used for speeding detection have valid calibration certificates, adding that the radar component of the camera in question has since been “recertified and cleared without issue.”
A GoSafe spokesperson continued: “We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of quality and safety.
“During a routine quality assurance check, we identified that the calibration certificate for radar components in a static speed camera on the N17 in Mayo had expired. The accuracy and validity of the camera system was not affected at any time and all speeding offences were correctly identified.
“Following a thorough internal review, we have confirmed to An Garda Síochána that all other static, mobile, and average speed enforcement cameras are fully certified. To prevent a recurrence, we have implemented enhanced safeguards within our quality assurance processes.
ROAD SAFETY MEASURES
“We remain steadfast in our dedication to supporting An Garda Síochána and all other road safety stakeholders with reliable, rigorously tested technology that ensures public trust in road safety measures.”
Gardaí have informed the Departments of Justice and Transport, the Policing Authority, the Road Safety Authority, and the Safety Camera Board of the matter.
They are also cancelling any fines and penalty points resulting from these notices.
Gardai added that they are writing to each individual affected, and refunds will be issued with penalty points removed where necessary.
Motorists impacted by this do not need to do anything, they will receive a letter in the post.
However, if they have further concerns they can ring the FCN Help Desk at 0818 50 60 80.
This matter occurred as a result of the original camera that was used during testing having a faulty focus mechanism and when a new camera was installed the new camera did not have a valid certificate of calibration.
INVESTIGATION ON THE WAY
The N17 speed safety camera system went live on December 20, 2024.
It was not operational between January 1, 2025 and January 17, 2025 as it had been vandalised which is subject of a criminal investigation.
As such, 1,871 speeding fixed charge notices were issued over a period of 39 operational days.
There were no summons issued relating to non-payment of these fines within the prescribed time period.
