Algorfa Council has put a four-year contract out to tender for technical collaboration on traffic enforcement. The successful company will install and manage a red-light camera at the junction of the CV-920 and CV-935, in the centre of the town, alongside speed cameras and number-plate recognition systems.

The equipment will detect vehicles crossing red lights and may also identify illegal turns, prohibited access, misuse of loading bays and entry into restricted areas or times. The council says the measures are needed because of observed traffic violations and concerns about pedestrian safety. Drivers who run a red light face a €200 fine.

The company will generate photographs, video and other evidence before sending it to the Local Police. Officers will review the images, traffic conditions and visibility before deciding whether to issue a penalty. The company may receive up to €24.20, including VAT, for each potential offence communicated and suitable for sanction.

The contract also includes a 24-hour speed radar system, with required calibration, maintenance and staff training. The company will provide three vandal-resistant radar cabinets, although their locations have not yet been announced. Similar red-light systems in San Isidro and San Miguel de Salinas have been credited by their councils with reducing accidents and average speeds, but some penalised drivers have questioned their legality and accused the schemes of being primarily aimed at raising revenue.