Fines and penalty points revoked over certification issue with Mayo speed camera

AN Garda Síochána has begun writing to motorists today to inform them that fines and penalty points issued for speeding offences on the N17 in Mayo, detected by the static speed safety camera system between December 20, 2024, and February 12, 2025, are being revoked.

An issue has arisen around the camera's certification.

A total of 1,871 speeding fixed charge notices were issued over this period.

Of the 1,871 notices issued, 800 were paid and penalty points applied. A further 123 were paid, however the error was identified prior to penalty points being applied. And of the remaining 948 notices that issued, no payment was made prior to the error being identified, therefore no penalty points were applied.

The garda authorities and safety camera provider GoSafe identified an issue on February 12 whereby the static speed camera on the N17 near Claremorris was fully functional and accurately identifying offences, but not certified.

It is standard procedure that all cameras used for speeding detection have valid calibration certificates issued by GoSafe.

Once this issue was identified, the camera was certified on February 13 and has been operational since February 14. The more than 230 speeding fines issued since that date are valid.

In addition, An Garda Síochána has confirmed that all certificates of calibration for cameras used at average speed, static locations and in safety camera vans are valid.

From now on, An Garda Síochána will request proof of camera calibration certification when cameras are installed and/or changed rather than at prosecution stage.

GoSafe has also put in place measures to prevent reoccurrence, including weekly confirmation of certification status of all speed safety cameras.

"This error is very much regretted. An Garda Síochána is committed to reducing road deaths and serious injuries through enforcement of speeding via a variety of speed safety cameras.

“The level of speeding breaches issued since the camera went operational on December 20, 2024, demonstrates the continued need for all motorists using this road to slow down,” said Chief Superintendent Roads Policing, Jane Humphries.

A GoSafe spokesperson said: "At GoSafe, we are committed to maintaining the highest standards of quality and safety.

“During a routine quality assurance check, we identified that the calibration certificate for radar components in a static speed camera on the N17 in Mayo had expired. The accuracy and validity of the camera system was not affected at any time and all speeding offences were correctly identified.

“However, it is standard procedure that all cameras used for speeding detection have valid calibration certificates. The radar component of the camera in question has since been recertified and cleared without issue.

“Following a thorough internal review, we have confirmed to An Garda Síochána that all other static, mobile, and average speed enforcement cameras are fully certified. To prevent a recurrence, we have implemented enhanced safeguards within our quality assurance processes.

“We remain steadfast in our dedication to supporting An Garda Síochána and all other road safety stakeholders with reliable, rigorously tested technology that ensures public trust in road safety measures.”

An Garda Síochána has informed the Departments of Justice and Transport, the Policing Authority, the Road Safety Authority, and the Safety Camera Board of the matter.

In respect of those fixed charge notices, An Garda Síochána is cancelling any fines and penalty points resulting from these notices.

From today, An Garda Síochána is writing to each individual affected and refunds will issue with penalty points removed where necessary.

Motorists impacted by this do not need to do anything, they will receive a letter in the post. However, if they have further concerns they can ring the FCN Help Desk at 0818 50 60 80.

This matter occurred as a result of the original camera that was used during testing having a faulty focus mechanism and when a new camera was installed the new camera did not have a valid certificate of calibration.

The N17 speed safety camera system went live on December 20. It was not operational between January 1and 17 as it had been vandalised. That vandalisation is subject of a criminal investigation.

As such, 1,871 speeding fixed charge notices were issued over a period of 39 operational days.

There were no summons issued relating to non-payment of these fines within the prescribed time period.