The Government is considering giving a private company responsibility for operating fixed speed-cameras around the State, as part of its campaign to reduce the number of road deaths, writes Mark Brennock, Chief Political Correspondent.
A spokesman for the Minister for Transport said last night that Mr Brennan plans to meet the Minister for Justice, Mr McDowell, next week to discuss the issue.
Mr Brennan said yesterday the decision to have vehicle clamping operated by a private firm had been very successful. "Putting the speed cameras in the hands of contracted organisations working for the State would make a huge difference," he said.
Mr McDowell told the Garda Representative Association last week he intended that new legislation would allow for maximum provision of support services.
He said the areas where such arrangements might be considered included "the collection of fines, transportation of prisoners, static security, and the administration of the points system in road traffic".
Meanwhile, the High Level Group on Road Safety is considering a consultants' report on the operation of fixed speed cameras internationally.
Its determination on the issue will influence the decision by the Minister for Transport on whether to extend such cameras to locations throughout the State.
Currently there is a pilot scheme involving just three such cameras being rotated around 210 locations in counties Dublin, Meath and Louth.