Queensland Clem7 speeding fines withdrawn

[csv8]

Clem7 speeding fines withdrawn
MARISSA CALLIGEROS
May 17, 2010 - 3:36PM



More than 1100 motorists caught speeding in the Clem7 tunnel since its opening two months ago will escape penalty.

Speeding notices issued to drivers are being withdrawn because testing of the eight speed cameras did not comply with legislation.

Anyone who has received an infringement notice prior to 12.30 today will not have to pay.

Motorists will begin receiving withdrawal letters from today, while any driver who has already paid a fine will be refunded.

This morning it was announced 624 drivers would escape fines, but that figure has since been changed to 1145.

The glitch has cost the Queensland government almost $172,000 in fine revenue.

The speeding tickets averaged $150.

Deputy Police Commissioner Ian Stewart said in a statement the withdrawal was ''embarrassing'' for Queensland police.

The speeding notices are being withdrawn because testing of the eight speed cameras did not comply with legislation.

Every time a speed camera is operated it must undergo a manual test under law. However, the cameras in the Clem7 used an automatic testing process.

Deputy Commissioner Stewart said there is no fault with the technology itself, but the police will have to adjust procedures to comply with legislation.

''What we’re not convinced is that automatic testing covers the legislation, so we’ve gone back to manual testing,'' he said.

The state government spent $2.5 million installing the cameras, which were placed in pairs at four points along the 6.8 kilometre tunnel.

''If there is an element of doubt, then we have to give motorists the benefit," Sergeant Danny Baade from the State Traffic Support Branch said.

There are currently nine other fixed speed cameras spread across the state.

"The new digital camera ... system used within the Clem7 tunnel is the only one of its kind operational in Queensland," police said.

"No other speed camera site is affected."

The speed limit along the Bowen Hills to Woolloongabba cross-river link is 80kmh.

Gold Coast criminal defence lawyer Bill Potts said he believed the digital speed cameras were not properly calibrated.

''The tunnel as I understand it has all sorts of metallic things in it, signs, plumbing and the like. It may be that the calibration of this has not been properly done,'' Mr Potts told ABC Radio.

''Digital camera technology ... has to go through a very rigorous method of being set up. It may just simply be that that particular set up is not being done properly or accurately as it could be in the tunnel.''

He said any demerit points should also be waived as a result of the recall.

''If the fine is being given back, or the ticket waived, then no demerit points should apply,'' he said.

''However where people have doubt they should bring those doubts "

My comment "how do we know that other revenue cameras aren't also faulty ??????"