http://www.canberratimes.com.au/news/local/news/general/fixed-cameras-proving-futile/1919984.aspx

Fixed cameras proving futile
MICHAEL INMAN

22 Aug, 2010 12:00 AM
FIXED speed cameras are failing to reduce accidents at Canberra traffic hot spots, with accident rates actually increasing since nine new cameras were installed in 2007-08.

But ACT Chief Minister Jon Stanhope has defended their use and flagged the possibility of installing more fixed speed cameras throughout Canberra.

Figures obtained by ACT Liberal MLA Alistair Coe showed accidents at eight camera sites increased from 58.7 per year prior to installation to 67.9 after while pumping an extra $7million each year into government coffers.

Data for the ninth camera was unavailable.

The largest increase in the number of accidents occured at two camera sites along the Tuggeranong Parkway.

Accidents jumped from an average of 20.3 to 24.4 per year at the camera placed near the Cotter Road underpass.

To the south, accidents leapt from 21.4 to 31 per year at the Hindmarsh Drive overpass.

Figures show the two cameras reaped almost $125,000 in the three months from October to December 2008.

However, the number of accidents declined slightly at several sites.

Mr Coe said the increased accident rate, paired with fines, shows revenue-raising was the driving force behind the expansion.

''[This] evidence suggests that the current methodology, the current strategy the ACT Government has, is much more about revenue than about making our roads safer,'' Mr Coe said.

''What we're seeing here is road safety being used as a cover for a revenue-raising method for the ACT Government because of its inability to manage expenditure.''

Mr Stanhope said the Government did not apologise for using the speed cameras to encourage motorists to slow down.

''It is expected that fixed speed cameras have been effective in reducing speeds in areas where excessive speeds are more prevalent,'' Mr Stanhope said.

''I would expect the ACT safety camera program to continue to play an important role in encouraging drivers to slow down.''
 

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