Speed Vans in Ireland 2025: Locations & How They Work

Q: How accurate are speed vans?

Speed vans use radar, laser, and digital camera technology. Each unit is calibrated regularly and certified for court use. This makes their readings highly reliable and admissible as evidence if fines are contested.

Q: Where are speed vans located in Ireland?

They are deployed to collision-prone areas, motorways, accident blackspots, and near schools or housing estates. The Gardaí publish a full list of enforcement zones so drivers know where vans may be placed.

Q: Can a speed van catch you on a motorway?

Yes. Speed vans frequently operate on motorways, especially in stretches with high accident rates. They are often positioned at junctions, slip roads, or service areas.

Q: How long does it take to get a speeding ticket after being caught?

A Notice of Intended Prosecution (NIP) is usually delivered within a few days to two weeks. It will detail the offence, recorded speed, and payment or appeal options.

Q: What’s the fine for being caught by a speed van in Ireland?

The standard penalty is €160 and 3 points if paid within 28 days. If payment is late, the fine increases and the penalty rises to 5 points. Ignoring the notice can result in a court summons with higher penalties.

Q: Can I appeal a speed van ticket?

Yes. Drivers can appeal if they have evidence of an error, such as incorrect registration details or proof they were within the speed limit. Appeals must follow the instructions on the notice and may end up in court if not resolved.

Q: How can I avoid being fined by a speed van?

The only sure way is to stick to posted limits at all times. Speed vans operate in both urban and rural zones and can be moved without notice. Using cruise control and staying aware of speed limits are practical ways to avoid fines.

Updated October 2025

Speed vans are a familiar part of Irish roads today. Some drivers see them as a nuisance; others view them as lifesaving. Either way, they are central to the country’s efforts to improve road safety and reduce accidents caused by speeding.

If you’ve ever wondered “Can a speed van catch me from the front?” or “How long does it take to get a speeding fine?” — this article will answer those questions and more. Here is the most comprehensive guide to speed vans in Ireland in 2025.

Why Do We Have Speed Vans in Ireland?

Speed is still one of the leading factors in serious road collisions. According to Road Safety Authority (RSA) data, speeding contributes to around one-third of fatal crashes each year.

Speed vans — officially known as mobile safety cameras- were introduced to tackle this. Operated under the GoSafe programme in partnership with An Garda Síochána, their primary aim is to encourage drivers to slow down and save lives, rather than just issuing fines.

The presence of a speed van has been shown to reduce average speeds in an area, meaning that even if no fines are issued, they have already improved road safety.

How Do Speed Vans Work?

At first glance, a speed van appears to be an ordinary vehicle parked on the roadside. Inside, however, it is fitted with advanced detection technology. These systems measure the speed of approaching or passing vehicles and record photographic evidence if a car is over the legal limit.

Front and Rear Detection

A common question is whether a van can catch you from the front. The answer is yes. Modern units are designed to measure speed and capture images of vehicles travelling in both directions.

This means that slowing down only after you pass the van is pointless — you can be caught while approaching it from the front just as easily as from behind.

Evidence Collection

When a vehicle is recorded speeding, the system will log:

The exact speed
The vehicle registration plate
Photographic or video proof
The time, date, and location

This evidence is then securely transmitted for processing and can be used in court if the offence is challenged.

Where Are Speed Vans Located?

Speed vans are not placed randomly. Their deployment is guided by collision data, traffic patterns, and community feedback.

Typical locations include:

National primary and secondary roads with higher speed limits
Motorways, where excessive speeds can lead to catastrophic accidents
Rural accident blackspots
Built-up areas near schools, housing estates, or pedestrian-heavy zones

Garda Safety Camera Zones

Importantly, the locations are publicly available. The Gardaí publish a list of official speed camera enforcement zones so that drivers know where vans may operate.

👉 You can check the current list here:
Official Garda Safety Camera Locations

The transparency of this system reinforces the idea that vans are intended to deter speeding, not simply to catch drivers off guard.

Types of Camera Technology

Speed vans in Ireland utilise a combination of technologies to accurately measure vehicle speed.

Radar systems have been around for decades and work by bouncing radio waves off moving vehicles.

Laser or LIDAR systems use bursts of infrared light to measure distance and speed with pinpoint accuracy, even in heavy traffic.

Digital cameras provide high-resolution photo and video evidence, instantly transmitted for processing.

Average speed cameras (SPECS), increasingly used in fixed roadside locations, measure speed over distance rather than at a single point.

This layered technology ensures that vans are highly reliable and less prone to errors than older systems.

How Accurate Are Speed Vans?

Drivers sometimes question whether vans are “fair” or whether they can produce false readings. In practice, the technology is considered extremely accurate.

All equipment is regularly calibrated and certified, and Gardaí require GoSafe contractors to follow strict procedures. If you challenge a fine in court, calibration records can be produced as part of the evidence.

What Happens If You’re Caught by a Speed Van?

When a speed van records an offence, the process is straightforward:

The registered owner of the vehicle receives a Notice of Intended Prosecution (NIP) in the post.
This usually arrives within a few days, though it can take up to two weeks.
The notice will include the speed recorded, the location, and instructions for payment or appeal.

Penalties

Standard fine: €160 and 3 penalty points (if paid within 28 days).
Late payment: The fine increases, and 5 points are applied.
Failure to pay May result in a court summons, with penalties that can be significantly higher.

Can You Appeal a Speed Van Fine?

Yes, you have the right to appeal if you believe a ticket was wrongly issued. Grounds for appeal could include:

Incorrect registration details
Evidence you were within the limit
Questions about calibration (rare)

Appeals must be submitted quickly. If your case is rejected, you can choose to contest it in court; however, this carries the risk of higher penalties if you lose.

How to Avoid Being Caught

The only foolproof way is to obey the speed limits at all times. However, there are practical habits that help:

Use your vehicle’s cruise control on long motorway drives to maintain a steady speed.
Pay extra attention in school zones and built-up areas.
Remember that vans can operate at any time of day or night.
Don’t rely on apps or warning vans, which are mobile and can be moved frequently.

Do Speed Vans Actually Work?

There has been debate in Ireland about whether speed vans are simply revenue generators. However, independent evaluations suggest they are effective:

They reduce average speeds in enforcement zones.
They contribute to lowering collision rates.
Their visibility makes drivers more aware of speed limits in general.

The public publication of safety camera zones supports the argument that the goal is deterrence, not entrapment.

Final Thoughts

Speed vans are here to stay. They are not simply about issuing fines but about making Irish roads safer for all users. By understanding how they work, where they are located, and what penalties apply, you can protect your licence, avoid unnecessary costs, and contribute to safer driving conditions.

Ultimately, the best way to avoid a fine is also the simplest: stick to the speed limit.

FAQs on Speed Vans in Ireland

▶ Can a speed van catch you from the front?

Yes. Modern Irish speed vans are fitted with forward- and rear-facing cameras, meaning they can detect speeding vehicles approaching from either direction. In the past, many drivers believed vans only worked from the rear, but that is no longer the case. Whether you are driving towards the van or overtaking it, if you are above the speed limit, the system can register your speed, capture your number plate, and record the offence.

▶ How accurate are speed vans?

Speed vans in Ireland use highly advanced radar, laser, and digital camera systems. Each unit is calibrated regularly and certified to meet evidential standards for court use. This means that their readings are considered extremely reliable. If you are issued a fine, it will usually be supported by photographic or video evidence, along with speed data. While drivers sometimes suspect false readings, in practice errors are rare because of the strict checks and audits carried out on GoSafe equipment.

▶ Where are speed vans located in Ireland?

Vans are deployed to areas identified as high-risk based on crash data, Garda intelligence, and community input. Common locations include accident blackspots, motorway stretches with a history of collisions, and urban roads near schools or pedestrian crossings. Importantly, the Gardaí publish a full list of approved enforcement zones so drivers know where vans may be placed. You can view this official list here: Garda Safety Camera Locations.

▶ Can a speed van catch you on a motorway?

Yes. Speed vans frequently operate on Ireland’s motorways, particularly in stretches known for high accident rates or excessive speeding. Motorways may feel safer because of their design, but they also carry higher risks when drivers exceed the limits. Vans are often positioned at junctions, slip roads, or service areas where they can monitor both lanes of traffic. If you assume that motorways are “exempt” from speed van enforcement, you could easily find yourself caught out.

▶ How long does it take to get a speeding ticket after being caught?

The registered owner of the vehicle will typically receive a Notice of Intended Prosecution (NIP) within a few days of the offence, although in some cases it may take up to two weeks. The notice will outline the recorded speed, the date and location of the incident, and instructions for payment or appeal. If you have not received a letter after a couple of weeks, it is unlikely you were caught, but the only way to know for sure is to wait for official correspondence.

▶ What’s the fine for being caught by a speed van in Ireland?

The standard fixed-charge penalty for speeding is €160 and 3 penalty points if paid within 28 days. If payment is delayed, the fine increases and the number of penalty points rises to 5. If you ignore the notice entirely, you may receive a court summons, where the fines and penalties can be much higher. The system is designed to encourage drivers to pay promptly and avoid escalating the situation further.

▶ Can I appeal a speed van ticket?

Yes, appeals are possible but they require strong evidence. Grounds might include incorrect vehicle registration, proof you were within the speed limit, or evidence of calibration errors with the equipment. The first step is to follow the appeal instructions on the notice. If unsuccessful, you may contest the fine in court. However, it is worth noting that because vans are so accurate and well-audited, successful appeals are relatively rare.

▶ How can I avoid being fined by a speed van?

The simplest and most effective way is to obey posted speed limits at all times. Speed vans can operate day or night, in urban or rural areas, and on motorways as well as local roads. Don’t rely on apps or word of mouth to avoid them, since vans are mobile and regularly moved to new zones. Using cruise control on longer journeys, especially on motorways, can help you maintain a safe and steady speed. Ultimately, avoiding fines goes hand in hand with safer driving.

Ciaran is an automotive enthusiast with a Bachelor of Arts Honours degree in Creative Digital Media from MTU in Ireland and over three years of experience in digital marketing. His unique background combines a love for storytelling with a strong grasp of engaging content creation, making complex car topics relatable and easy to understand. Through years of managing this blog, Ciaran has expanded his automotive knowledge while helping everyday drivers gain new insights.

Passionate about demystifying the driving world, Ciaran focuses on simplifying car trends, tech updates, and practical driving tips. He believes that everyone should feel confident and informed behind the wheel, offering content that empowers readers to make smart, well-informed decisions.