Speed camera van cases in court

OF the 25 speed camera van cases listed at Nenagh District Court last Thursday, two resulted in convictions. Three cases were adjourned. The rest were struck out for a variety of reasons. In most of these cases, the defendants gave sworn evidence that they did not receive the fixed charge penalty notice to pay the fine. Several cases were struck out because the operator of the speed camera van on the day in question was not present in court. This was because the operator was either on leave, on sick leave, or giving evidence at another court. In two of the cases, evidence was offered that the defendant attempted to pay the fine but the payment was not accepted. One case was struck out because there was an incorrect name on the summons, while another defendant said she was out of the country at the time the fixed charge notice was issued. In another case, a man gave evidence that he was no longer the registered owner of the speeding car and submitted an insurance cert to support his claim. One case was struck out because the defendant had deceased. The majority of motorists were caught speeding by camera vans on the R445 (former N7) at Benamore or at Carrigatoher. One was caught speeding on the N52 at Ardcroney and one more was detected on the N62 at Gortnagowna. In the Ardcroney offence, which was detected at 5am, the highest speed limit was recorded – 79kmph in a 50kmph zone. Several drivers were in the lowest range of 10kmph over the speed limit. Of the two convictions, the defendant was fined €120 in each case.