The Shadow Minister for Transport Services, Alistair Coe MLA, believes the Government is far from ready to introduce controversial point-to-point speed cameras across the Territory.

According to Government documents and answers to questions on notice, the Government plans to roll-out the cameras this financial year. However, there remain questions about their efficacy and the privacy concerns of motorists.

The Government has admitted that changes to legislation will need to be made to facilitate their usage.

The cameras operate by recording the number plates of vehicles as they pass the first point. When the recorded number plate passes the second camera, the computer assesses the time taken to drive between the two points and determines if the car was speeding. All cars, regardless of whether they are speeding or not are recorded at both cameras.

The privacy concerns the Government must address are:

  • How, where and for how long will the data of passing vehicles be stored?
  • Will the data be able to be used as evidence for unrelated legal matters (e.g. as an alibi)
  • Will motorists be able to find out what data the ACT Government holds of their vehicle movements?

“Like all strategies designed to reduce accidents and fatalities, the Government must show evidence to support the cost of introducing the cameras. The Government must also justify the locations for which the Government chooses to install the devices,” said Mr Coe.

In an answer to a question on notice, the Government said they expect between 6 and 12 infringements per day at each location.

“If so few people are expected to be penalised, there are doubts about how effective the devices will be and whether this will be the most effective use of money to make our roads safer.”

The Government should also release the Forward Design Study being undertaken by TAMS.

“Finally, if the devices are installed, the Government should publish the time for which a motorist can travel between the two points without fear of being booked.

“The Government must thoroughly address the concerns outlined above to ensure motorists and taxpayers get the safest roads at the right price and with the privacy of all users in mind,” concluded Mr Coe.