{"id":11808,"date":"2015-06-05T00:00:05","date_gmt":"2015-06-04T23:00:05","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.wheelsforwomen.ie\/?p=11808"},"modified":"2015-06-05T00:01:18","modified_gmt":"2015-06-04T23:01:18","slug":"motorists-breaking-red-lights-at-luas-junction-to-get-penalty-points","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wheelsforwomen.ie\/index.php\/motorists-breaking-red-lights-at-luas-junction-to-get-penalty-points\/","title":{"rendered":"Motorists breaking red lights at Luas junction to get penalty points"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"luas_main\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Break a red light at a notorious black spot in Dublin and you now face three penalty points writes Geraldine Herbert<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

How is breaking a red light detected?
\n<\/strong>An automated camera system has been installed at the junction of Blackhall Place and Benburb Street in the Dublin to capture any motorist breaking a red light at this junction.<\/p>\n

Why are they in use?
\n<\/strong>It is in\u00a0response to the large number of collisions that occur between road vehicles and trams but particularly at this junction\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong>How do they work?
\n<\/strong>The camera\u00a0 is linked directly to the Garda PULSE system will capture the registration place of any vehicle that breaks the red light.<\/p>\n

What happens if you are caught breaking a red light?
\n<\/strong>Motorists who break the red light at this notorious black spot and who are captured on camera, will automatically receive three\u00a0penalty\u00a0points and a fine of up to \u20ac120. If you go court and are convicted the number of penalty points awarded increases to 5.<\/p>\n

Are there any plans to roll out this system elsewhere?
\n<\/strong>It is the first such system in Ireland and if it proves successful it may be rolled out to other junctions<\/p>\n

Where else in the world are they used?
\n<\/strong>These automated systems are\u00a0extensively in the United States but after two decades of continued growth they number of red light camera schemes are now on the decline.<\/p>\n

Are they a success?
\n<\/strong>Yes but not without controversy; while they have contributed favourably to a reduction in right angle collisions opponents argue that these systems increase the likelihood of rear end impacts casting doubts on claims that the cameras improve safety.<\/p>\n

What are the main objections to them?
\n<\/strong>There are two main concerns<\/p>\n