The report of the Auditor-General into the use of Speed Detection Devices reveals an alarming trend in the deployment of speed cameras, which appear to be placed for any other reason other than preventing crashes and the resulting trauma and death.
The Auditor-General has revealed a large disparity in the level of enforcement per vehicle crash for different locations:
“There appears to be an excessive focus on some locations, such as the Brooker Highway. This suggests that SDD resources could be efficiently deployed with a more consistent response to crash data.” (p21)
In addition, the Auditor General points to
“…a low correlation between the level of enforcement and serious and fatal crashes on a speed zone basis. DPEM has directed a disproportionate percentage of its speed cameras enforcement resources towards the 40-60 km/h zones, despite a higher percentage of serious and fatal road crashes occurring in the 100 and 110 km/h zones.” (p23)
The Tasmanian driving public have been telling us for years that they feel speed cameras are revenue raisers because of their locations.
The Auditor-General appears to agree with these concerns.
A Hodgman Liberal Government will ensure that speed cameras are placed at identified black spots, and we will quarantine speed camera revenue for use on road safety initiatives.
Rene Hidding MP Shadow Minister for Police and Emergency Services
