The recent introduction of speed cameras into Dublin comes from the extensive use of cameras throughout the UK.

A recent battle has broken out between two pressure groups in this area as to the effectiveness of their use and indeed, the merit of cameras.

The situation has become quite polarised in England with a prominent road safety group known as Roadpeace coming into direct conflict with a group known as Tax Payer’s Alliance.

A recent review of Roadpeace refers to a report presented by the Tax Payer’s Alliance this year which challenges the effectiveness of speed cameras.

The main basis upon which the Tax Payer’s Alliance (TPA) argues their case is that the costs of the speed cameras far exceed their value.

In an aggressive response to this argument, Roadpeace quote a number of convincing statistics.

They refer to the Department of Transport Road Casualties and Deaths statistics for the year 2009.

This report states that road deaths have fallen to 2,200, 12% down on the previous year.

This is the lowest number of deaths ever recorded and contributed to another milestone for Roadpeace.

That study concluded that when cameras were introduced, they resulted in: -

• Reduction of 100 fatalities per annum (1745 killed and 4230 personal injury collisions in 2004)
• Reduced speeding by 74% at new fixed camera sites and 18% drop at new camera sites.
• Overall the proportion of vehicles speeding excessively fell by 91% at fixed camera sites and 36% at mobile camera sites.
• 2.7-1 benefit to society from the avoiding injuries in excess of 285million to enforcing costs of about £96 million.

The statistics prepared by Roadpeace are quite impressive and seem to have put paid to the argument of the TPA.

One interesting comment to be noted is the fact that the significant improvements appear to have occurred where the cameras are fixed and not mobile.

It will be interesting to see what statistics the Gardai and the RSA produce after the mobile camera units have been in place for some time in Ireland.

Will similar pressure groups step forward to argue against these cameras?

One would feel that this would be unlikely bearing in mind the carnage which has occurred on Irish Roads and the high level of backing that the AA have provided to the use of speed cameras.

Comments welcome!

Paul Tracey

Personal Injury Solicitor

Dated the 23^rd November 2010

One suspects that this significant rise in the number of claims against uninsured drivers being processed by the MIBI is due to the economic downturn.

“It appears that the recession may have had an impact on the number of uninsured drivers on the road. It is a very worrying trend and an extremely serious issue. Driving uninsured is a criminal offence’’ commented a spokesperson for the MIBI

The MIBI is responsible for compensating victims of accidents caused by uninsured and unidentified vehicles. It also compensates victims or untraced motorists who cause accidents or who leave the scene of accidents.

Recent figures show that in 2008 the MIBI settled over 2,000 claims with uninsured drivers who were involved in accidents, most of which involved bodily injury.

Mr. Casey the chief executive of the Bureau estimated that the figure for 2009 will be approximately 10 per cent higher than in 2008.

Although the cost of motor insurance has been declining in recent years this problem has not gone away! “In real terms the cost of motor insurance is the same as 10 years ago. Premiums have been coming down and there is a lot more competition in the market place. Price is simply is not an excuse.”

He also rejected the claim that a lack of concern among drivers about Garda surveillance has led to an increase in the number of motorists driving without insurance. “There has been an increase in the traffic corps in recent years, and there are more and more roadside checks,” he said.

If you have had an accident caused by an uninsured driver or where a driver has left the scene or failed to stop at the scene it is important that you act promptly and comply with the requirements of the MIBI.

We at Paul Tracey Solicitors have extensive experience in this are of injury work and will be happy to assist you with any questions you have on this topic.

Tips if involved in an accident

-Call the Garda at the scene

-Take the names & addresses of any witnesses

-Seek medical assistance promptly if required

-Take prompt legal advice to ensure your rights are protected

Paul Tracey Solicitor 08/03/2010

(Paul Tracey is a lawyer based in Dublin specializing in personal injury litigation in particular road traffic cases where insurance issues arise.)

The MIBI is responsible for compensating victims of road traffic accidents caused by uninsured or unidentified drivers.

This applies to untraced cars which leave the scene of an accident or unknowingly cause injuries to a member of the public.

When these cases are settled by the MIBI,it pursues the uninsured drivers who have caused the injuries to recover the money paid to the victims of such accidents.

The scheme ensures that innocent victims of car accidents ,be they passangers, pedestrians or other motorists are not at a loss for the absensce of insurance on the vehicle which has caused their injuries. In effect the MIBI appoint an insurance company to act in the place of the ‘absent insurer’ so that the injured person is not be at a loss.

The amount of the judgments shows the significant number of cases where the MIBI have a role to play where drivers choose not to insure their cars and unfortunate accidents occur.

If you have queries on the workings of the MIBI or related queries , feel free to e mail our offices

Paul Tracey

law@traceysolicitors.ie

11/01/2010

The case which involved a serious spinal injury is interesting for a number of reasons. The case ran for a number of weeks and  dealt with arguements as the the ‘cap’ or limit which should or should not be set on awards for personal injuries.

There will undoubedly be comments on the case as the full details of the judgment are considered and discussed by the legal community.

The case was brought against the Motor Insurers Bureau of Ireland.

The Bureau deals with cases where victims of road traffic accidents are injured by cars driven by uninsured or untraced drivers.

The rules governing entitlement to compensation have recently beeen changed and injured persons should seek advise from a solicitor on the application of the MIBI rules to ensure their rights are not compromised.

All in all the case is a welcomed opportunity to discuss the issue of level of damages for victims of car accidents and highlights the merits of the Motor Insurance Bureau’s work.

Paul Tracey

21/07/2009