New speed cameras which measure average speed over a set distance have gone into operation on a section of the M7 in Co. Tipperary. 

The system is in operation, initially, between Junction 26 and Junction 27 in both directions. It clocks vehicles as they enter the speed check area and as they leave calculating average Km/h. Vehicles detected driving in excess of the 120km/h will be subject Fixed Charge Notice of €80 and three penalty points.

A similar system is already in operation in the Dublin Port Tunnel and was in use on the M7 around Naas during road works, where thousands of motorist received fixed penalty notices for exceeding the limit. 

While the safety benefits of the move may be questionable, as motorways are the safest roads to drive on, the system is said to improve traffic flow as it removes the concertina effect of people speeding up and slowing down. 

Gardaí say also that the trial area has been chosen as it is subject to frequent weather-related/micro-climate events, such as hail, resulting in increased collision frequency in the area.