Auditor-general slams speed cameras
In a wide-ranging report, the ACT auditor-general says that there's no evidence that speed cameras reduce speeding, and that reliability of some of them is “poor”The ACT auditor-general, Dr Maxine Cooper has heavily criticised Canberra's speed camera network in a report tabled to parliament, saying there’s no evidence it reduces speeding.
"There has been no 'network-representative, speed monitoring system' which could be used to gauge the extent of the ACT's speeding problem," Dr Cooper was quoted as saying on www.abc.net.au.
"Therefore the extent of the problem or the impact of the Government's speed cameras on road safety cannot be determined."
Dr Cooper also said that camera reliability is poor and the ACT is unlikely to have the right number of cameras in the right places.
"Speed camera reliability is poor, particularly for mobile speed cameras," she said.
"This has led to escalating maintenance costs, limited camera availability and a greater number of rejected infringements."
Dr Cooper also said that:
- Mobile speed camera coverage is limited and overt;
- Speed and red light cameras may not be located in priority sites;
- Mid-block speed cameras are unlikely to be in positions to achieve road safety; and
- The point-to-point cameras may not be cost-effective.
Dr Cooper has made 16 recommendations for action including for the ACT Government to develop a speed camera strategy.
ACT Attorney-General Simon Corbell responded to the audit by saying that it reinforces the need for the comprehensive review announced earlier this month.
"Clearly, this audit has identified a range of issues that will need to be considered by the government, including the extent to which past decisions about the numbers, types and locations of the cameras -- particularly the sitting of mid-block cameras - are delivering the best road safety outcomes for the Territory," Corbell said.
"While the audit has raised a number of areas for improvement of procedures and record keeping in the Traffic Camera Office, the audit found that the process to establish the validity of infringements is robust, meaning that infringements have only been issued where it is clear that a speeding or red light offence has been committed
"While a formal response to the audit report will need to be fully considered, work has already been commenced, such as the camera program evaluation and improvements to procedures and record keeping by the Traffic Camera Office, which will respond to most of the issues raised in the audit."
Source: www.abc.net.au/news
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