Disguised speed camera cars won’t save lives

Forum –

There has been a lot of discussion about the (mobile speed) camera cars that are used in NSW.

Since the Police Minister announced that he was allowing these vehicles to “no longer display the speed check signs” I as yet have not heard anyone commenting on the fact that the vehicles in question have also removed the reflective, checkered decals from the rear and the reflective “camera car” decal from the sides.

A small square decal has appeared on the side, about the size of a sheet of A4 paper, which you would see if you were to take your total attention away from driving.

Now the vehicles in question are “allegedly” fitted with cameras that can check your speed in both directions.

I would assume that the decals were fitted initially as a “safety factor” and I base this on the fact that they were usually parked close to passing traffic, or on grassed areas beside active lanes.

So now we have camera cars less detectable, more detections (ie. more revenue), cameras detecting in both directions, taking into account that there were no decals on the front of these cars from day one, (again more revenue), all “safety items” removed from the camera cars.

I agree that road fatalities are a great concern however, we should be looking at where it starts, with the attitude/skills of people applying for their licence.

After many years of policing I have dealt with many drivers who threw the rule-book away shortly after getting their licence.

Until the courts get a hard, positive sentencing attitude and other systems are implemented, we will continue to have road tragedy.

Email, July 23
Peter Caddy, Blue Haven