-
-
Author: Declan Tierney
~ 3 minutes read
Thieves have found a new target for their activities – stealing the expensive batteries that power electronic speed limit signs on approaches to towns and villages in the county.
The electronic signs, which go from green to red if motorists are exceeding the speed limits, are recognised as an effective means of slowing cars down.
But a meeting of Tuam Municipal Council was told of a new trend of the batteries being stolen – leaving the screens blank.
The matter was raised by Cllr Karey McHugh (Ind) who said that electronic speed signs at two locations in Tuam alone had batteries removed from them by thieves.
She said that the batteries had also been removed from similar signs in Barnaderg and Lackagh – all of which have to be replaced by Galway County Council or by Traffic Infrastructure Ireland (TII), which has responsibility for the national roads network.
“I have noticed it myself on a number of occasions and could not understand why the speed limit signs were not working,” she said.
“But then I discovered that the covers at the back of the speed signs were wide open with the batteries inside having been robbed.
“These signs are strategically located to slow motorists down but if they are not working, then were have a serious situation with drivers breaking the speed limits,” said Cllr McHugh.
The electronic signs are generally located on approaches to towns and villages where speed limits are 60km/h or 50km/h. The batteries within these signs are solar powered, it is understood.
Cllr McHugh has now asked that these signs are better secured to prevent the batteries from being stolen by criminals. “They are essential for every town and village where there are large volumes of passing traffic,” she added.
Senior Executive Engineer Paul Connolly told the meeting that he was not aware that the problem was as rife as that outlined by the councillor.
He said that he was aware of a couple of incidents and gave an undertaking to investigate the matter further.
Cllr Pete Roche (FG) said that he too was aware of the situation, and it was a matter that was being investigated by the Gardaí.
“This can have knock-on effects in terms of speed through villages in particular. It the electronic signs are not working, then motorists are not aware of the speed they should be adhering to,” he added.
(Photo: The box at the electronic speed sign in Tuam from where the battery has been stolen).
For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune:
Connacht Tribune Digital Edition App
Download the Connacht Tribune Digital Edition App to access to Galway’s best-selling newspaper. Click HERE to download it for iPhone and iPad from Apple’s App Store, or HERE to get the Android Version from Google Play.
Or purchase the Digital Edition for PC, Mac or Laptop from Pagesuite HERE.
Get the Connacht Tribune Live app
The Connacht Tribune Live app is the home of everything that is happening in Galway City and county. It’s completely FREE and features all the latest news, sport and information on what’s on in your area. Click HERE to download it for iPhone and iPad from Apple’s App Store, or HERE to get the Android Version from Google Play.
More like this:
How do Irish people feel about News and where do they get it from?
This article first appeared on Galway Bay FMLocal radio and newspapers are the most trusted sourc...
Work to start shortly on new section of Athenry Northern Ring Road
This article first appeared on Galway Bay FMWorks on the western section of the Athenry Northern ...
Councillor Karey McHugh Farag to focus on affordable housing as Tuam Cathaoirleach
This article first appeared on Galway Bay FMThe newly elected Cathaoirleach of the Tuam district ...
Dáil hears vulnerable residents in Connemara still feeling impact of Storm Eowyn
This article first appeared on Galway Bay FMSome of the most vulnerable residents in Connemara ar...
Local MEP says planned EU law on AI child porn vital step forward
This article first appeared on Galway Bay FMA local MEP says proposed new EU laws to outlaw child...
Report launched in city shows local radio most trusted source of news
This article first appeared on Galway Bay FMLocal radio is one of the most trusted sources of new...
125 jobs for Oranmore as Neurent Medical opens state-of-the-art facility
This article first appeared on Galway Bay FMA jobs boost is in store for Oranmore as Neurent Medi...
Salthill home sets record by selling for €300k over AMV
This article first appeared on Galway Bay FMA home in Salthill has set a record for a local aucti...
President Higgins donates his archive to University of Galway
The Presidential Archive of President Michael D Higgins, as well as books from his personal colle...