May bank holiday: New static speed cameras go live as drug-driving campaign launched

Eva Osborne

Ahead of the May bank holiday weekend, new static speed safety cameras are set to go live.

The cameras will become operational from midday on Friday on the R772 in Gorey, Co Wexford, and the N22 in Farnanes, Co Cork.

The timing of the speed cameras launch coincides with the increase in traffic expected across the country during the bank holiday weekend, which will see gardaí stepping up roadside enforcement nationwide.

Vehicles detected driving in excess of the posted speed limit will be subject to prosecution by fixed charge notice. The current fixed charge notice is a €160 fine accompanied by three penalty points.

Drug-driving campaign

Also ahead of the bank holiday weekend, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has launched a new TV-led advertising campaign that confronts the issue of drug-driving in Ireland.

The RSA said the initiative puts a spotlight on the serious and life-altering consequences of driving under the influence of drugs – including the loss of employment, restrictions on international travel, and the impact on personal relationships.

The launch coincides with the May Bank Holiday Road Safety Appeal, a joint initiative by the RSA and An Garda Síochána, urging drivers to slow down, avoid driving under the influence, and to keep mobile phones out of reach while on the road.

The new drug-driving campaign aims to correct public misconceptions and raise awareness, especially among young people, about the reality and risks of drug-driving.

Even small quantities of drugs can drastically impair a driver’s ability to safely operate a vehicle by affecting motor skills, perception, coordination, and reaction times.

Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Sean Canney, said: "There is no excuse for driving under the influence of drugs. The consequences can be severe and irreversible.

"This campaign is an important reminder that drug-driving not only endangers lives but also carries serious legal, personal, and social repercussions.

"We are committed to supporting An Garda Síochána and the RSA in their efforts to eliminate this dangerous behaviour from our roads.”

Road safety advice

Between new static speed cameras and the RSA's drug-driving campaign, the AA has advice for motorists ahead of the bank holiday weekend.

Motorists are being advised to take extra care and prepare in advance as traffic volumes are expected to rise sharply across the country.

Based on previous years, the AA said hundreds of thousands of drivers will take to the roads from Friday afternoon through to Monday evening.

Heaviest congestion is expected on Friday afternoon, particularly on routes leading out of Dublin including the M50, N/M7, M1, N11, N3, and N4, as people set off for coastal regions and popular holiday destinations. Return traffic on Monday evening is also expected to be heavy.

Further traffic pressure is likely around:

• Galway city and approaches via the N17 and N6;
• Cork city and routes like the N40 and N25 heading to and from East Cork;
• Limerick on the M7 and N21 heading towards Kerry;
• Wexford and the Southeast coast via the N11 and N25;
• Clare and the Wild Atlantic Way, especially on smaller regional roads.

A spokesperson for The AA said: "Preventive maintenance is crucial this weekend. A few quick checks before setting off could be the difference between a smooth journey and an unplanned breakdown."

Motorists are encouraged to make these simple checks before they travel, even if just stopping for a coffee on the way:

• Are all tyres inflated to the correct pressure?;
• Is the windscreen washer fluid topped up?;
• Are there any warning lights on the dashboard that need attention?;
• Do you have enough fuel or charge to reach your destination?

The AA also advise motorists to check their route in advance, be aware of any road works or delays.

With public transport, some schedules will be operating a reduced or altered service across the weekend.

The AA said it is aware there are some scheduled engineering works to the Luas Green Line which will reduce its operating hours slightly over the weekend.

Finally, safety should always be top of mind: slow down, avoid distractions, and never drive tired, take breaks where needed. The AA will have patrols on duty nationwide across the weekend, ready to help anyone in difficulty.