Speedsters caught in Clem7 tunnel but confusion reigns over cameras

[csv8]

Speedsters caught in Clem7 tunnel but confusion reigns over cameras

* by Robyn Ironside
* From: The Courier-Mail
* March 26, 2010 8:38PM


MOTORISTS have been clocked travelling at 50km/h over the speed limit in the Clem7 tunnel.

At least two leadfoot drivers have been nabbed doing 120km/h and 130km/h respectively since the $3 billion tunnel opened. The motorists were caught by speed cameras and will be fined, but confusion remains about the working capacity of the cameras.

Despite signage indicating they are in full operation, four sets of fixed speed cameras lining the 6.8km route are still undergoing testing.

Police said the cameras were still being tested to ensure "their effectiveness before coming totally online".

"In the meantime other enforcement methods, including mobile patrols of the tunnel by marked and unmarked police vehicles, continue to ensure safe driver behaviour," a spokeswoman said.


Queensland Transport's website suggests trials of the fixed speed cameras are scheduled to continue until May.

The Courier-Mail understands the cameras are recording the speeds of any cars travelling over the limit and can be used to charge drivers caught at excessive rates.

But motoring groups claimed drivers were being misled.

National Motorists Association of Australia spokesman Michael Lane said drivers were being "bluffed" into thinking the cameras were fully operational.

"It's not particularly fair but speed cameras aren't either," Mr Lane said.

He said it was often the case that speed cameras were for show rather than law enforcement.

"We often hear about authorities declaring war on speed and we all know the first casualty of war is the truth."

A tunnel spokesman said yesterday police had told them the cameras came online when the tunnel opened on March 15.

A spokesman for Lord Mayor Campbell Newman also admitted he was of the belief the speed cameras would be snapping leadfoot drivers from the outset.

The RACQ's Gary Fites said it was important to get the cameras fully operational as soon as possible.

"Any other enforcement is impractical if not impossible in the tunnel," Mr Fites said.

"They really do need to get the cameras up and running as soon as is reasonable."

My comment ..This again proves that the cameras just revenue raisers. Not fully operational, but you can still be fined !!!!!!!!