THE ARGUMENT that speed cameras have to do with saving lives, not producing revenue, has had another severe blow using the announcement in South Australia now that new average-speed (point-to-point) cameras happen to be triggered on the 13.5km stretch of freeway between Mt Barker and Callington (the primary exit route from Adelaide to Melbourne and also the eastern states).
With breathtaking hypocrisy, we’re told point-to-point cameras are now being folded to “result in the freeway safer for those road customers”.
Since 2010, there has been precisely three (yes, three!) crashes leading to minor injuries and 14 that led to no injuries whatsoever along this stretch of freeway (Transport Department figures). The street is fatality free within the last 5 years. Pretty for any road having a 110km/h posted speed limit that handles 13,000 automobiles daily.
What exactly became of the key of setting up speed cameras in traffic black spots? And never nabbing drivers at the end of downhill stretches of road? All gone within the interests of increasing revenue.
Point-to-point cameras happen to be set up in South Australia on Port Wakefield Road (2445 fines, $1,108,979 revenue – all figures 2014-15 financial year), Dukes Highway between Ki Ki and Coonalpyn (1970 fines, $1,074,219 revenue) and Victor Harbor Road between McLaren Vale and Willunga (38 fines between 22 June once they were installed and 30 June 2015, revenue $18,422). More point-to-point revenue raisers happen to be placed on the Sturt Highway (operational from 15 September) and also the Northern Expressway between Virginia and Gawler (operational from 2016).
South Australia’s government, like the majority of others, is hooked on speed camera revenue. Total camera amounts have elevated from 68 to 128 previously 3 years, producing a windfall for that condition coffers of the record $22 million within the last financial year. Based on my sources, just one speed camera around the Southern Expressway in Crafers has produced greater than $16 million where, without no reason or justification, the current limit drops from 110 to 100 to 90 inside a couple of kms – just ideal for catching people not really acquainted with the neighborhood conditions (and once more, this is actually the primary entry road into Adelaide in the eastern states).
Family First Mega pixel Robert Brokenshire states government claims that cameras are put at accident black spots are contradicted by their very own crash data.
“The federal government’s reason behind camera locations doesn’t coincide using the data showing where fatal and heavy injuries crashes occur. The federal government may want to run the spin they don’t want individuals to speed and pay fines, however the treasury wants that revenue,” he stated.
Research studies have proven that 75%, that’s three from every four participants, believe speed cameras are only for raising revenue. Mr Brokenshire stated he could realize why individuals are cynical.
Trying to protect the indefensible, Road Safety Minister Tony Piccolo accused Mr Brokenshire of “aiming themself with individuals who break what the law states and put the lives of other road customers in danger”. In complete defiance from the mentioned goal of placing speed cameras in high-risk locations, he stated “Safety cameras are made to change driver behavior and promote safe driving over the road network, not only the place they’re at. It’s unfortunate that Mr Brokenshire selects to disregard the overwhelming evidence that speed kills.”
Ah yes, that wonderful all-encompassing excuse: “speed kills”. No, Mr Piccolo, it’s not speed that kills, it’s inappropriate speed, inattention, poor streets, poor driving abilities.
Meanwhile, people still die unnecessarily and drivers still pay an burdensome and uncommon financial penalty.
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