Safe Speed Forums

Why we take a dim view of speed cameras
DAVID MURRAY
07aug05
MOST Queenslanders believe speed cameras are mainly used to raise revenue.

A survey has confirmed there is a growing mistrust of the cameras, which earn the State Government millions of dollars each year.

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau survey found almost 60 per cent of Queenslanders surveyed believed speed cameras were primarily about raising money, up from 50 per cent the previous year.

The results are revealed as police temporarily withdraw 180 mobile speed radars that were found to be "too sensitive".

The car-mounted radars were picking up readings from oncoming vehicles the operator could not see, prompting concerns that some motorists might have been fined unfairly.

Motoring groups and the Opposition also have questioned the amount of time devoted to speed cameras.

State Government figures show police spent almost 70,000 hours operating speed cameras last financial year – up from about 50,000 hours two years earlier.

RACQ spokesman Gary Fites said speed cameras should not be used at the expense of other policing.

"They don't pull up the tailgater, the person who is dangerously weaving, or not wearing a seat belt, or drink-driving," he said.

"It shouldn't be at the expense of getting people out on the roads, having a far more visible deterrent against the range of offences. It is reasonable to keep them honest and accountable about this."

Opposition Leader Lawrence Springborg said other crime-solving may be suffering because of the time being devoted to speed cameras.

"These figures support community concern that the Government is more concerned with increasing revenue than it is in investigating crimes like break-and-enters," he said.

The increase in camera use over the past two years came after the State Government allowed each to operate eight hours a day instead of five.

Police Minister Judy Spence said officers had spent almost 200,000 hours on speed enforcement, other than speed cameras, such as radar and general patrols.

"I believe they have the balance right between traffic management, solving crime and community safety," she said.

Ms Spence referred to her own "five or six speeding fines" as she defended the use of speed cameras.

"I, like other Queenslanders, don't like getting a speeding ticket, but I take it as a wake-up call to slow down."

National Motorists Association spokesman James Wright said the extra speed camera hours were "not making any difference as far as we can see. It brings a monetary return rather than a safety return".