In the first deployment of its type in Europe, the Garda Siochana are to use handheld computers to process a fixed penalty system. The system was designed using Microsoft.Net and Oracle 9i technology. Fujitsu was responsible for managing the delivery and undertaking the integration of the Robot scanning camera solution and the mobile application built on a handheld device from Globetech.
The system has gone live at seven locations across Dublin, Louth and Meath and means Gardai can process fixed charge traffic offences currently enacted by the Road Traffic Act 2002 legislation, ie speeding and failure to wear a seatbelt. Where a fixed charge is imposed, the system will enable the motorist to pay a fine and avoid a court appearance.
The system has also been designed to speed up the processing of common traffic offences and will free up Gardai time from administrative processes, enabling resources to be deployed in enforcement duties.
Fujitsu has been working with the Gardai since 2002 to design and implement the system to process a large volume of fixed charge offences fully integrated with their existing core application, Pulse.
The project team involved members from the Department of Environment and Local Government, Courts Service, Department of Transport and Department of Justice, various technology suppliers as well as the Gardai itself.
The system will be extended to all areas of Dublin next month and then nationwide by the end of the year, when it is anticipated that more than 50 types of offences will be dealt with on a fixed charge basis.
By Brian Skelly
