New Red Light Running Safety Initiative Launches In Dublin

A new red light running safety initiative in Dublin has been launched by Gardaí, supported by the Road Saftety Authority (RSA).

There are 1,620 sets of traffic lights in the Dublin region across all four local authorities and every day, road users put themselves at great risk by driving, cycling or crossing through red lights.

It may appear a minor traffic infringement, however the potential for harm is very great when for example, a car encounters a cyclist where one of them has broken the red light.

In addition, and as a result of the number of collisions and near misses encountered by LUAS trams, a new fully automated red light camera was recently installed at the Blackhall Place. To date this has detected 155 drivers gambling with their safety, with many significantly late through the junction.

Chief Superintendent Aidan Reid, head of Dublin's Traffic Corps, said: "We are aiming this red light running campaign at all drivers, cyclists and pedestrians and appealing to them to reduce the risk to themselves and others by simply obeying the rules of the road when the traffic light is red. It seems a simple ask, and maybe a lesser offence, but when you consider there are 1,620 sets of traffic lights in Dublin, and look at what is happening in one junction alone, Blackhall Place, it is very apparent there is a very real problem with compliance."

(CD/LM)