By KATHRYN BERMINGHAM
A PESKY Lilydale speed camera is accurate and in working order, an independent investigation has found.
Road Safety Camera Commissioner Gordon Lewis released a report at the end of last year detailing the findings of his study on the fixed speed camera and a red light camera, both located on the Maroondah Highway in Lilydale.
The investigation was prompted after allegations that the devices were faulty and issuing incorrect fines, Mr Lewis wrote.
The cameras caught out 11,576 motorists in their first quarter of operation after they were activated in March, 2014. They were fitted after concerns were raised about the safety of pedestrians in the busy area, which is in close proximity to a high school. MP for Evelyn Christine Fyffe, local traders and the Yarra Valley Highway Patrol Division all supported the decision.
The report highlighted that most traffic offences occurred during the weekend, leading Mr Lewis to believe that tourists might be caught out most.
“It is reasonable to assume that many of the incidents detected during weekends result from motorists who do not live locally travelling between Melbourne and the Yarra Valley tourism area and beyond.”
The commissioner received 12 formal complaints about the speed and red light cameras at the site, which together caused Victoria Police to issue $2.4 million in fines during their first three months of operation. He said the speed camera was the most contentious among motorists.
“Of the 12 complaints received about the road safety cameras, only two contained a complaint about a red light infringement.”
All road safety cameras must undergo rigorous testing every three months to ensure their accuracy. Mr Lewis quashed claims that the cameras were unfairly positioned.
“The two road safety cameras were installed at the pedestrian crossing along Maroondah Highway as a preventative measure against accidents involving pedestrians, and not a ‘revenue raising’ exercise,” he said.
