Private Speed Cameras

Interesting Dept. of Justice pdf document relating to private operation of speed cameras....

I'm not entirely sure about my feelings in relation to private speed cameras. The obvious complaints and concerns are:

• Speed cameras will be placed at speeding black spots, not accident black spots.
• Private company taking over the role of an Garda Siochána in the enforcement of the law.

Other thoughts on a more positive side include:

• Greater awareness of drivers of the speed they are travelling at.
• Ability to more rigidly enforce speed limits near schools for example.
• Reduction in Road Tax? Nooooo. But, possibly more funds for road improvements. I controversially wouldn't like to see this though, as it would mean that it was a money making exercise.
  
• Freeing up Gardaí to check on other bad driving habits.

I've briefly read the document linked to above, and it mentions a ratio of 80% covert checks to 20% overt checks. I think that's awful personally. If the object of the exercise is to slow down, surely seeing "Gatso vans" that will be marked on the side of the road will be more effective than seeing a letter come in the door 2 weeks after you've sped past a school, nearly killing a teacher and 2 First Class children?

Sure you mightn't do it again, but bear in mind, you could be caught speeding 5 times in 3 years and only have to pay higher insurance....and lots of us in this day and age can afford to pay higher insurance. Especially money-no-object jeep and hyooge car owners.

I would rather see high visibility vehicles at accident blackspots, and potentially dangerous stretches of road, in bad weather. I fear however, that no matter what warrants and conditions are placed on the private operator, shrewd profiteers will find a way of parking up on the Naas Dual Carriageway, N11, M1 and fining everyone who's driving at 122.2km/hr.

Added: In actual fact, I would be surprised to see any speed cameras about at 2am on a Saturday morning. Not that detecting a speeding drunk would be worth it. No, to be honest, I don't think there's any substitute for more Gardaí.

Thoughts? There might be more about this later. It's a thinky one.