Dashcam Users to Report Dangerous Drivers Through Garda Portal
Road users who capture footage of dangerous driving behavior with dashcams or bodycams will soon be able to upload it to an online portal, according to plans being developed by An Garda Síochána. The use of bodycams among frontline gardaí is being tested on a trial basis, with potential for similar principles to be applied to road policing.
The proposed portal would allow individuals to submit footage for review by law enforcement, potentially leading to prosecutions. Assistant Garda Commissioner Paula Hilman emphasized the need for a digital evidence management system to support this initiative, which is anticipated to be operational by 2026 as Ireland grapples with a rise in road fatalities.
While the concept was initially introduced in the Government Road Safety Strategy for 2021 to 2030, its implementation has been delayed. However, Ms. Hilman recently confirmed progress on the plan, highlighting the importance of the digital strategy in its development.
Currently, individuals can report unsafe driving incidents to local garda stations along with video evidence. The future portal aims to streamline this process, making it more accessible and efficient for reporting and investigation. Road Safety Authority chief executive Sam Waide expressed support for the initiative, emphasizing its potential to enhance road safety through behavioral change rather than punitive measures.
Junior Transport Minister Jack Chambers echoed the sentiment, noting the advocacy for a reporting portal by various road safety groups. The integration of technology and camera-based enforcement strategies is seen as a step towards improving road safety and encouraging responsible driving habits.