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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1999 Week 9 Hansard (31 August) . . Page.. 2624 ..

As I said earlier, Mr Speaker, I am prepared to support the introduction of speed cameras on the proviso that these amendments are supported. Firstly, I seek to add a two-year sunset clause. Initially it was for 18 months, but the Government has asked for the extra period to enable it to evaluate the use of the cameras. We have agreed to that. That will allow the Government time to prove that the introduction of speed cameras has worked to reduce the number of crashes, which at present number 22 a day. In two years' time the legislation will be back before the Assembly for final approval.

I believe that drivers coming from outlying areas may well be penalised by this legislation and want a defined period to be assured that they are not bearing the brunt of this move. It is not that the drivers in Tuggeranong, for example, are any worse than those in the rest of Canberra, but they are on the road for a longer period each day if working in the city centre or Fyshwick. I am pleased that funds have been allocated already for the NRMA-ACT Road Safety Trust to report on the effects of the use of speed cameras. In most States, unfortunately, no research has been done. Of the few States where it has been done, only Victoria was willing to give my office details of it, Mr Speaker, and then only an executive summary. Their research showed that speed cameras had no effect on the incidence of car accidents unless their location was well publicised, and then only for about four days. After four days their effect on the incidence of car accidents wore off and they just became revenue raisers.

Secondly, I have an amendment restricting the handling of speed cameras, other than for the usual maintenance and testing, to police officers. That is important because I believe that the police are the law enforcement experts and, accordingly, need to have control over camera placement and their operation.

Thirdly, I am seeking to establish a defined period of time in which a person has to pay a speeding fine. At present, the legislation allows a 28-day period plus, upon appeal, two additional unspecified periods in which to pay. Experience interstate has seen a high incidence of non-payment, nearly 30 per cent in New South Wales, and time periods running into several years. My amendment would put in place, upon appeal, a six-month maximum period for the initial fine plus an additional six months after being served a reminder notice, again after appeal, something that I am sure most members will think is quite reasonable.

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