To enable specialised AI (Artificial Intelligence) technology monitoring on Irish roadways, Justice Minister Simon Harris is collaborating with Taoiseach Leo Varadkar’s office on legislation.
The Irish Mirror reported that the new technology will allow specialised cameras to collaborate with in-house computers to crack down on traffic violations even further.
The advanced cameras would help the gardaí to catch people unawares on their mobile phones or not wearing seatbelts, even if they are not caught directly on camera.
It would also allow for speeding motorists to be caught where they were getting away with it in the past because the smart computers can fill in the gaps between camera flashpoints.
A tender document published by An Garda Síochána over the weekend gives more detail.
It reveals how the state-of-the-art cameras at the heart of a new €100 million system could also catch unsuspecting rogue drivers using bus lanes or breaking red lights.
The tender calls for: “the provision, installation, commissioning, maintenance and operation of safety cameras for the monitoring of vehicle speeds.”
It adds: “These proposed services may be expanded in the future (subject to legislative changes) to include, but not limited to the following; no seat belt detection, the use of mobile phones, average/variable speed detection and compliance with traffic lights and bus lane usage.”
Dublin Port already uses similar tech in the Port Tunnel which runs between Dublin Airport and Dublin city centre. The winning tender would be paid up to €100m over the course of a six-year contract.
The planned use of the special hi-tech cameras on the roads by the gardaí follows plans to use cameras on their bodies (bodycams) too.
Justice Minister Harris said: “I introduced legislation to the Dail to allow for gardai to wear body cameras. These tools will be able to gather evidence – and secure convictions.
“In the modern, fully-digitalised society, criminals, and especially organised crime gangs, have access to increasingly sophisticated digital tools to carry out their objectives.
“It is of crucial importance that An Garda Siochana have access to the latest technology to counter such challenges.
“A modern police service simply must have effective and up-to-date digital tools in order to keep our communities safe and also to protect themselves from those who would do them harm.”
Drivers in Ireland are automatically fined €120 if the garda catch them without a seatbelt. There is a €120 fine and three penalty points for using a phone while driving.