SLOW down is the warning from gardaí to West Cork motorists as 30 new safety zones became operational across the county from January 1st.

A total of 390 new locations for cameras and GoSafe vans have been added to the national network bringing the total to 1,901, as gardaí warn of a crackdown on speeding.

Across Cork city and county an extra 30 speed camera zones have been identified, including a number of accident black spots along the N71 in West Cork.

The cameras have been installed along stretches of road where there is a history of speed-related collisions – known as speed enforcement zones.

A garda spokesman said: ‘The primary purpose of safety cameras is to reduce speed-related collisions, lessen injuries and save lives.’

To date there have been 189 deaths on Irish roads in 2025 – the highest level in over a decade.

In Dublin 36 new speed cameras will go live from Thursday January 1st with 30 across Cork, 26 in Donegal, 21 in Wexford, 19 in Meath and 17 in Galway.

The locations of the detection equipment were selected after detailed analysis of garda data collected after fatal, serious and minor road accidents.

Some of the new locations were also based on concerns from local communities, and include road works safety zones and school safety zones.

Cork city and county account for the highest number of community request safety camera zones at 12, followed by Westmeath (7), Kildare and Kerry (six each) and Meath (5).

Assistant Commissioner Catharina Gunne, roads policing and community engagement, said: ‘The majority of drivers on Irish roads obey the speed limits, keeping themselves, their passengers and other road users safe. There is a small persistent cohort of selfish, dangerous drivers who choose to drive in excess of the posted speed limit. 

‘These drivers put themselves and members of their community at risk, particularly children, older people, cyclists and other motorists.

‘An Garda Síochána’s priority is to ensure that the vast majority of people who use the roads responsibly are not put in danger by this minority of reckless drivers who continue to drive at excessive speed.’