|
Here in Adelaide, South Australia we now have red light cameras combined with speed cameras. In the four months since December 2003 a whooping $3.7 million worth of fines have been issued to some 24,000 motorists. (There are only about 1 million people in Adelaide.) These fines were from 12 new cameras installed on 'dangerous intersections' around the city. The lowest fine is $139 for exceeding the 60kph limit by less than 15kph. It costs $234 to run a red light.
The worst 'catch' Twisted Evil was going 124km through a 60kph area intersection and another driver going 152km through a green light (also in a 60kph zone).
As you gasp in horror at the antics of my countrymen let me say that there were no bad accidents caught on film in these intersections. Almost all the accidents were at low speeds when drivers failed to give way or notice the car in front stopping.
It has also become apparent that as drivers became more aware of the combined cameras they have stopped speeding up to clear the intersection as the green light changes to orange but instead now anchor the brakes. You guessed it- nose to tail accidents are now more common.
Despite the cameras there has been no 'real' reduction in the road toll or the accident rate so far this year.
(I have sent safespeed a copy of the press release about these scameras and the fine work they are doing.)
This country uses plain scamera cars, some are even hidden in 4x4's, that are parked on the side of the road amongest other privately owned cars. There are also tripod mounted scameras, many of which are hidden under camoflague netting. I intend to get some pictures of them for this site as trying to spot them can be a real mission)
Our news services (tv, papers & radio) broadcast the street locations of scameras from information supplied by the police the day before. The public also asked to ring in the exact sites when a camera is seen.
For those of you who have never been over here there are vast distances between the major cities. I could drive from Adelaide in a north-east direction for 3000km to get to Darwin, west for 2900km to Perth, east for 2050km to Brisbane, 1330km to Sydney and north for 4200km to Broome.
So those on the eastern seaboard can drive over 6000km to get to the other side of the country. A trip like that would put an Englishman in deepest Asia.
Some of my 'local' neighbouring cities are 400km to 600km away so drivers here cover huge distances. A lot of it is vast flat desert type areas where you may not see another vehicle for several hours.
Our large 'road train' trucks have up to four trailers and weigh in excess of 100 tonne. They can legally travel at 100kph so passing them can be difficult if not dangerous. Many drivers will not try to past one out of fear.
The debate about scameras and the 'good' they do is alive here and in NZ. They are universally dispised because of the disinformation told about them to justify the money they make for local councils or the government.
Hope I did not rave. Thanks
J555[/u]
|
Login
Register
FAQ
Search
Members
