This article is from page 8 of the 2014-04-15 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 8 JPG
THERE is “disquiet” in Clare and other jurisdictions over the operation of the Go Safe speed van system, a Judge has said.
Judge Patrick Durcan said concern exists nationwide at prosecutions taken by Go Safe for speeding offences.
The privately-run Go Safe has operated speed camera vans in Ireland since winning the Garda contract in 2009. The cameras operate on sections of road, which have a history of collisions occurring where speed was a contributory factor.
In recent months, Judge Durcan has been critical of Go Safe and has struck out a number of speeding charges brought against motorists in Clare.
Last month, he adjourned eight cases to May 2 after requesting the State look at the legislation underpinning the prosecutions brought by Go Safe.
After hearing evidence in one alleged speeding case, Judge Durcan raised concerns over the evidential basis of photographs taken by the vans’ cameras of alleged speeding motorists.
Ennis solicitor Daragh Hassett represents one of the people whose case has been adjourned to May. His client is contesting the charge.
At Ennis District Court on Wednesday, Mr Hassett told Judge Durcan he would be making submissions to him on May 2 about Go Safe.
Mr Hassett said his client is “troubled” as to how Go Safe cases are being prosecuted.
Judge Durcan said Mr Hassett’s case would be treated as the lead case and he would hear submissions on May 2.
Judge Durcan said there is “disquiet throughout the county” and many areas of the country over Go Safe prosecutions.
Judge Durcan said he was also aware of what he called “startling admissions” made by a director of Go Safe in a Dublin court recently.
Go Safe was recently the focus of an RTÉ ‘Prime Time’ investigation, which uncovered allegations that motorists may have been wrongly fined for speeding offences.