Speed Vans: Protecting or Profiting? Episode 498

On today’s show, Niall opens the lines to ask a simple but controversial question: are Garda speed traps really about saving lives—or are they just making money?

Ireland South MEP Cynthia Ní Mhurchú has called for a tougher stance on speeding, pointing to the fact that 30% of fatal crashes are caused by speed and that 174 people lost their lives on Irish roads in 2024. She wants more speed vans at rural blackspots to crack down on dangerous driving.

But with €32 million collected in fines over 30 months, and €44 million in operating costs going to private contractors, critics say the numbers don’t add up. If the vans are “losing money,” why expand them? Is this truly about road safety—or about revenue?

Niall talks to callers about whether speed vans make our roads safer, or whether they’re an expensive exercise in catching drivers out. Do you think they save lives—or are they just another cash cow?