A fleet of new mobile speed cameras deployed on roads across Tasmania are working to deter ‘bad driver behaviour’ as the number of fines issued surpasses 42,000.
A government business scrutiny committee heard on Tuesday how the 16 automated traffic enforcement cameras have seen fines issued to 42,947 drivers for speeding since their introduction last year, while around 947 infringements for mobile phone and seat belt offences have been handed out since the new ‘tower cameras’ were brought in in late August.
Transport Minister Michael Ferguson says early analysis of a 6 month period during and 3 years before the camera trial shows “drivers are starting to change their behaviour” for the better.
“Comparing the pre- and post-implementation periods, there was a 1.2km/h reduction in average vehicle speeds and a 5.1% reduction in the proportion of vehicles speeding. It went from 28.2% to 23.1% speeding. That’s been a significant improvement,” Ferguson told the panel.
He said although a “significant minority of drivers” continue to speed on Tasmania’s roads, he hopes the cameras are working in a way that will ‘eventually deter this and make the roads safer’ for all.
“The new cameras are mobile and operate all around Tasmania day and night and, unfortunately, the facts do backup their necessity,” he said.
“It’s actually surprised me how many people are being detected not wearing a seat belt … we didn’t think it would be as high as it is but clearly there is a problem.”
“It’s a cultural problem for a small number of people but unfortunately at higher numbers than we had previously thought.”
“Distraction and seat belt non-compliance are a factor in 24% and 9% respectively of fatal and serious injury crashes.”
