An Garda Síochána to Launch Portal for Public Video Evidence of Dangerous Driving

Within the next 18-24 months, An Garda Síochána plans to introduce an online portal allowing the public to upload video evidence of driving and road traffic offenses. This initiative aims to enhance road safety and facilitate the investigation of reckless driving incidents.

The new system, part of a significant investment by the Department of Justice, will enable members of the public to directly share video evidence of possible offenses. Superintendent Liam Geraghty emphasized that the portal will be a simple 'click and share' system, making it easier for the public to report incidents related to digital and video evidence.

Why this matters: This online portal has the potential to significantly impact road safety in Ireland, allowing for more efficient reporting and prosecution of driving incidents. By leveraging technology to enhance road safety, this initiative could lead to a reduction in road fatalities and contribute to safer communities.

The portal is expected to be fully operational by 2026 and will not be limited to road safety and driving offenses. It will also be used for appeals related to major crimes, allowing the public to provide video footage that could assist in broader criminal investigations. 'We will be extending that system to allow members of the public to provide us with video footage that they may have retrieved,' Geraghty said. 'That's not just in terms of road safety and driving on the road, but also in terms of our appeals for people with dashcam footage or video footage in terms of major crimes.'

However, individuals uploading footage will still be required to make a statement to prove the authenticity of the footage. This measure ensures that the evidence can be used effectively in court. 'When that rolls out, people will be able to upload footage, but we will still require the people who are uploading that footage to make a statement to prove the authenticity of the footage,' Geraghty explained, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding evidence.

The development of this portal is part of a broader digital strategy that includes the introduction of body-worn cameras for Gardaí. These cameras will help collect, store, and manage video evidence, further supporting the investigation and prosecution of dangerous driving and other crimes.

The initiative comes at a time when road safety is a growing concern in Ireland. Recent statistics have highlighted a worrying increase in road fatalities, underscoring the need for effective measures to curb dangerous driving. The online portal is expected to play a vital role in addressing this issue by making it easier for the public to report incidents and for Gardaí to take appropriate action.

An Garda Síochána's upcoming online portal represents a major advancement in harnessing technology to enhance road safety and support criminal investigations. By enabling the public to upload video evidence, the system aims to facilitate the reporting and prosecution of dangerous driving, contributing to safer roads and communities.

Key Takeaways

• An Garda Síochána to launch online portal for public to upload video evidence of driving offenses.
• Portal aims to enhance road safety and facilitate investigation of reckless driving incidents.
• System will allow public to share video evidence of possible offenses with a "click and share" system.
• Portal expected to be fully operational by 2026 and will also be used for appeals related to major crimes.
• Individuals uploading footage will still be required to make a statement to prove authenticity.