Updated at midday

THE COUNTY’S FIRST automated red light camera is being officially launched this morning – but the system has already been in operation for the last number of weeks, capturing some worrying driver behaviour at one of the worst sites in Dublin for crashes between cars and Luas trams.

The system has been set up at the junction of Blackhall Place and Benburb Street in the city, along the Luas Red Line.

Photos released by the Railway Procurement Agency show motorists accelerating through red lights, and across the tram tracks up to 25 seconds after the signals have changed.

One of the images shows a very near miss between a tram and a saloon car (above). While others show taxi drivers not willing to wait the few seconds for the lights to change…

• 1.02pm, 3 May. Time into red: 10.7 seconds

• 12.11pm, 5 May. Time into red: 25 seconds

• 4.54pm, 10 May. Time into red: 20.6 seconds

• 11.55am, 13 May. Time into red: 7 seconds

The RPA also sent us this collision footage from a Luas-mounted camera…

Captured on the approach to Queen Street, just a block from the site of the new camera, it shows the tram being forced to stop, after a black car breaks the traffic signal and drives straight into the course of the oncoming Luas.

The new initiative will see drivers who break the red light at the location automatically receiving three penalty points.

According to the Department of Transport:

“An Garda Siochána’s PULSE system is now linked to the new red light cameras at this junction, automating the process of issuing fixed charge notices for this particularly dangerous road traffic offence.

“Breaking red lights incurs 3 penalty points and a fine of up to €120 on payment of the fixed charge.

This technology may be applied to other junctions in Dublin, and in other parts of the country, where motorists breaking red lights is particularly problematic.

Read: Man in hospital with suspected broken arm after being hit by Luas