Vic; Police unveil "no flash" speed cameras

AAP General News (Australia)
12-12-2000
Vic; Police unveil "no flash" speed cameras

MELBOURNE, Dec 12 AAP - Melbourne police today unveiled a "no-flash" version of the
traffic speed camera which they hope will deter motorists from speeding and save lives
in the run-up to Christmas.

Police said the "no-flash" cameras were introduced because motorists who saw the flash
often warned oncoming drivers that a speed camera was in operation.

They said the new cameras were identical to models already in use, they simply used
more sensitive film which did not need a flash.

Assistant Commissioner of Traffic, Ray Shuey, said the cameras would give no warning
of their presence.

"So we're giving a warning right here and now that over the next three or four weeks
these cameras will be out in force," Asst Comm Shuey said.

"And it is purely [driver] choice - obey the speed rules or suffer the consequences."

He predicted that about two million drivers would be tested in some manner during the
holiday road blitz, which started on December 1.

Victoria's road toll for the year so far is 393, which is 31 more than at the same
time last year.

He said speed and tiredness remained the greatest killers on the roads.

"We're extremely disappointed people don't seem to be getting the message."

Police Minister Andre Haermeyer said police did not want people to obey speed limits
simply because they knew speed cameras were present.

Mr Haermeyer said police wanted motorists to change their driving habits and always
drive within the legal limit.

He said Victoria's road toll was eight per cent higher than last year and was heading
towards being the highest in years.

Speed camera figures for November also showed that one in every 10 motorists caught
speeding was driving at more than 15kph above the limit.

Mr Haermeyer said the cameras would be used at known accident black spots across Victoria.

"It is imperative all available initiatives are taken in an attempt to drive down the
road toll in the remaining weeks of 2000," he said.

"No-flash speed cameras will combine with booze buses, radar and other police initiatives
to ensure Victorians stay safe this festive season."

AAP ra/mjm/de

KEYWORD: CAMERAS

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