Damn Gatsos

[CJ]

On my way home on the M50 last night after picking the car up from Paul Nolan (service, belts etc), I got flashed by the gatso at the Malahide end of the M50, I was doing about 85 at the time I ALWAYS keep an eye out for this particular one but I was too busy putting the boot down in an effort to see if the car was running smoother after the service. I've heard that these gatsos often have no film in them, at least I hope this one didn't!

Ciaran

[soc]

I ALWAYS keep an eye out for this particular one but I was too busy putting the boot down in an effort to see if the car was running smoother after the service.

on a lighter note - did you find out if the car was running smoother?

[CJ]

I think I'd rather know sooner rather than get a nice surprise in six months time, wonder what the insurance hit is like with 2 points?

The car is running very smooth actually. The problem (if you want to call it that) with the GPX is that it runs very smoothly @ high speed. You could be doing 110+ and not notice it on a decent road (your honour)

Ciaran

[Ivan E]

Its a scary thing alright these penalty points as it looks like they'll result in an increase in insurance which will surely take some FTO drivers off the road.

I am not sure how exactly it works but I think there is a time limit in which they have to send you out notification. I got this from a site.

Penalty Points
With effect from 31st October, 2002 motorists guilty of speeding offences in Ireland will be awarded penalty points, together with monetary fines. If you are caught speeding anywhere in Ireland, you will be given an on-the-spot fine of 80 euro, together with 2 penalty points. If you have been caught speeding on police traffic camera, you will receive notice of your fine and penalty points within 1 week of the offence by post. You have 28 days in which to pay your fine. If you do not pay your fine, the fine then increases to 120 euro which you pay within 28 days. If after this time (56 days) you still have not paid your fine, you will have to go to your District court. If you are convicted in Court of speeding offences and non-payment of fines, you will automatically receive 4 penalty points and a fine to a maximum of 800 euro. You are allowed 12 penalty points over a period of 3 years. If you receive more than 12 points in 3 years, you will automatically be disqualified from driving for 6 months.


However I am not certain if they don't get notification out to you in time, are you still liable for the points. Maybe someone will answer that.

One thing that might help here, is if we list out where we know the cameras are so we can help each other avoid getting caught.

The only one I know of, is the one on the N4, very obvious as you are coming into Dublin, just after the flyover that comes from Leixlip. there's signs for another one along the N4 on the west side of Enfield I think but not sure where the camera is. One thing I am told is that there is white lines along the road after the camera so might be a sign worth watching out for.

[soc]

One thing I am told is that there is white lines along the road after the camera so might be a sign worth watching out for.

By the time you hit those lines if you are speeding it is too late - you'd be very unlikely to slow down before getting snapped.

Gatso's
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1 Gatso on the road heading from Belfast to Dublin (dunno name cause I'm thick) just before Blakes Cross - its just around a bend so you cannot see it until way too late and I think the limit is 50mph (but you could easily do 70mph).

1 Gatso on dual carriage-way after Blakes Cross - heading from belfast direction to dublin, before you get to the first swords roundabout (near Fingallians GAA grounds). Lots of road works there now and limit is down from 60mph to 40mph - dunno if camera has been recalibrated but am not about to test it!

Obviously everyone knows about the 2 on the M50 as well.....

Also check out www.speedtraps.ie.nu - this site has some good info.....