Supporter ID: 3376561
‘All clear’ for speed cameras Stephen Taylor steve@baysidenews.com.au THE Road Safety Camera Commissioner has backed the performance of the Peninsula Link speed cameras and reproached motorists contesting their fines. The commissioner, John Voyage, was asked to investigate the cameras by Police Minister Lisa Neville after “public disquiet about the system” – most noticeably by members of the 108 group who claimed they had “set their vehicle’s cruise controls and so the detected speed reading was in error”. Mr Voyage stated in his report that he was “unable to find any error in any of the aspects of the road safety camera systems along Peninsula Link”. His investigation covered six sites of instant camera systems and four point-to-point zones. “I find there to be a pervasive culture … among drivers of slowing at cameras and then speeding up after passing the camera,” Mr Voyage said. “I also find that there is substantial misunderstanding by … drivers of the way the point-to-point road safety camera systems on Peninsula Link operate.” Mr Voyage stated that “after the most detailed analysis … no errors or faults were found. “The system is operating accurately, and its integrity has been validated.” Three cameras gauge drivers’ speed between the Skye Rd Bridge, Frankston, and Mornington-Tyabb
Eyes up high: Peninsula Link cameras snap speeding motorists.
Rd, Moorooduc, going south, and three face drivers going north, between Loders Rd and Skye Rd. At each camera site dual devices measure the speed of every vehicle the instant it passes the camera. A photograph is taken of every vehicle passing through, regardless of the speed. Vehicles’ registrations are matched, as well as the time at each point. Zones between cameras have been measured, so the calculation of distance divided by time gives a minimum average speed between the two points, or point-to-point speed. Mr Voyage said only two drivers had backed up their complaints with data. “Using the data logs supplied … we were able to track these two vehicles’ journeys, as well as the journeys of vehicles travelling in their vicinity. The data records these vehicles overtaking numerous other
vehicles but not being overtaken. “A third driver, who has not contacted my office, made various assertions in the media and provided limited data to the media. His matter is apparently before the courts. “No other complainant provided any data, or dash-cam footage, or the like. Only two sets were received, and both GPS data logs were of little or no probative value.” Mr Voyage said: “After exhaustive analysis, we have no evidence of any failures in the road safety camera system; and no evidence of reliance upon cruise control leading to adverse outcomes.” He said many drivers expressed the “erroneous belief that the pointto-point system would average the speeds at the two instantaneous ends of the zone; others thought that the point-to-point measure would be avoided by travelling at or below the speed limit at the in-
stantaneous cameras”. “These beliefs are wrong and misconceived.” The point-to-point system will measure the average speed of all vehicle journeys between the two instantaneous cameras, regardless of the speed of entry and exit from the point-to-point zone. The report considered 60 million records, analysed 67,235 infringements and “many millions of individual journeys through the Peninsula Link road safety camera system”, Mr Voyage said. “We have analysed the driving behaviour of the alleged ‘infringers’ against all other drivers. “We have used the data to assess whether there is any anomaly, or spike in the graph, for infringements at any particular speed (the 108kph Facebook group had been especially vocal).” Mr Voyage said he had “no doubt that the data … showed a behaviour by drivers inconsistent with the claimed ‘set my cruise control and maintained constant speed’” explanation. He said it showed a behaviour of “altering speed at the cameras”. “This is consistent with a repeated comment from complainants of ‘I know where the cameras are’, which seems to imply some conscious or unconscious driving modification at the cameras. “These data show that this group of drivers, all of whom have received … infringements, are likely to be regular faster-than-the-limit travellers in the point-to-point, and have significantly slower (and compliant) speeds at the instantaneous zone.”
QUEENSCLIFF - SORRENTO
26th may 2017
$80
per person Sail the Bay and experience a High Tea on the High Seas Extravaganza! Welcome drink, great food, prizes and awesome auction items. All fundraising efforts & 50% of tickets sales donated to Cancer Council Victoria.
Friday May 26 2017 Departs Sorrento at 11am | 4hrs www.searoad.com.au/bmt or call 03 5257 4500
WHAT’S NEW...
The Biggest Morning Tea takes to the sea
SEAROAD Ferries is teaming up with the Cancer Council to raise vital funds for cancer research, prevention and support programs by taking Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea to Port Phillip Bay on Friday 26 May 2017. Departing from Sorrento at 11am, Searoad Ferries’ inaugural Biggest Morning Tea will see passengers enjoy a 4-hour Port Phillip Bay sailing and delicious morning tea, serving up sweet and savoury morsels sourced from the Bellarine and Mornington Peninsulas. The event will be hosted by comedian, Andrew Iles, with live music, auctions, lucky door prizes, and a mystery raffle providing further entertainment. All proceeds from the auctions and raffle, as well as 50% of the ticket price, will be donated to the Cancer Council. Now in its 24th year, Biggest Morning Tea is one of the Cancer Council’s leading fundraising events. In 2017, with the help of hosts such as Searoad Ferries, the Cancer Council aims to raise $13 million to support those affected by cancer.
Searoad Ferries CEO, Matt McDonald, said the idea to host a Biggest Morning Tea onboard Searoad Ferries came from some of the ferry employees. “We have been so inspired by the enthusiasm, initiative and dedication shown by the staff to get our first Biggest Morning Tea fundraiser off the ground,” Matt said. “Cancer is something that affects us all at some point in time. We are proud to support such an important cause and a great organisation in the Cancer Council. We are really excited about our first Biggest Morning Tea and with the support of the community, hope it is something we can continue into the future,” he said. Tickets for the Biggest Morning Tea are $80, with $40 from all tickets being donated to the Cancer Council. As well as the sailing, morning tea and entertainment, all passengers will also receive a showbag full of goodies. Bookings are essential. To purchase your ticket or for further information, please visit www.searoad.com.au/bmt or call 5257 4500.
FRANKSTON
TAXIS
FRANKSTON TAXIS SERVICING THE BAYSIDE AREA
FRANKSTON’S TRADITIONAL FULL-SERVICE TAXI COMPANY Frankston Taxis offers a range of vehicles to suit all situations - from everyday personal use to special care and corporate vehicle types include: > Standard Sedans - including environmentally-friendly hybrid vehicles > Maxi Taxis - transport up to 10 people > Wheelchair-accessible taxis
HOW TO BOOK: > Download the app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store > Book from our website at frankstoncbs.com.au > Call 9786 3322 and speak to Pete
CALL 03 9786 3322
WWW.FRANKSTONCABS.COM.AU Frankston Times 8 May 2017
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