Judge Condemns GoSafe Over Alleged Excessive Speeding Prosecutions in Co. Kildare

A District Court judge has raised serious allegations against the GoSafe speeding program in Co. Kildare. In a recent written decision, the judge accused the speed enforcement initiative of deliberately targeting a speed zone considered unjust in the Portlaoise area, with GoSafe merely pursuing “rich pickings.”

Judge’s Concerns About Speeding Prosecutions in Clogheen

The controversy centers around a rural area named Clogheen, situated in Co. Kildare, within the Portlaoise District Court jurisdiction. The judge, who has been wary of excessive speeding prosecutions in this area for over two years, has now come forward with strong criticism. In the six-month span of 2022, total fines for the 700-meter stretch of R445 came to €108,240, significantly higher than the €53,320 collected for the rest of Laois County.

Road Characteristics and Recommended Speed Limits

The judge noted the characteristics of the Clogheen road, emphasizing that it is wide and over 12 meters at its widest point, with ample space on both sides. Besides a single farmhouse and house, the area is surrounded by open countryside, including grazing animals like horses, sheep, and cattle. According to expert recommendations from the Kildare County Council, such a wide, two-lane road typically merits a 100km/h speed limit instead of the current 60km/h.

A senior engineer at the council had recommended increasing the speed limits for Clogheen in July 2021 but, despite the recommendation, the existing limits have not been reviewed, leading the judge to label the council’s neglect as a failure to fulfill its duty to citizens.

Critique of Speed Zone Effectiveness and Safety

The judge further noted that drivers were found guilty of speeding at surprisingly low speeds, as low as 67km/h, which the council’s engineers deemed safe and posing no danger in normal circumstances. This discrepancy creates a perception among drivers that these low-speed limits are unrealistic given the road’s characteristics. The judge believed that the large number of prosecutions in Clogheen had nothing to do with criminality or road safety but were driven more by targets, statistics, and revenue.

The ruling struck a strong note of concern, suggesting that these prosecutions have no place in a fair court and bring into question the administration of justice itself. By invoking a Supreme Court decision on the constitutionality of road safety prosecutions, the judge disqualified 32 speeding summonses he considered unconstitutional.

Implications for GoSafe and Road Safety Programs

The judge’s decision could have far-reaching implications for how GoSafe and similar speed enforcement programs operate. It underscores the importance of aligning posted speed limits with actual road conditions for safety and fair treatment of drivers. The ruling also highlights the need for continuous review of speed limits based on expert recommendations, ensuring they accurately reflect safe driving speeds under normal circumstances.

The loss of potential revenue for local authorities due to the dismissal of summonses is a secondary effect. The core issue remains the emphasis on safety over revenue generation, calling for a paradigm shift in how such programs are managed and executed.

Conclusion

This District Court ruling highlights the complexities of road safety enforcement and the critical need for speed limits that reflect actual driving conditions. The controversy surrounding GoSafe’s tactics in Co. Kildare serves as a reminder of the balance between enforcing the law and ensuring fairness and safety for all drivers.

The precise alignment between road characteristics and speed limits is crucial, not only for the safety of drivers and pedestrians but also for the credibility of the judicial system. As this issue garners further attention, it will be interesting to see how this ruling influences future approaches to speed enforcement and road safety initiatives.

What are your thoughts on this case? How do you think speed enforcement should be handled in rural areas with different road characteristics? Share your ideas in the comments below and subscribe for more insightful articles on similar topics.